Magnitude and Factors Associated with Undernutrition Among Children on Antiretroviral Therapy in the East Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Insufficient food intake and infectious diseases cause undernutrition. Undernutrition in children is a severe public health issue globally, especially in low-resource areas. Among the most vulnerable to these challenges, children affected by HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia are at risk of undernutrition, which links to increased child morbidity and mortality. Despite the significance of the issues, there is no report in the East Wollega Zone of Ethiopia. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the magnitude and determinants of undernutrition among children receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the east Wollega zone of Ethiopia. Methods: From June to July 2022, a survey was carried out in the East Wollega Zone of Ethiopia to collect the data. The study sample comprised 380 children aged ≤ 15 years who were being treated with ART. A systematic questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were used to collect the data. Epi data 3.1 and SPSS version 26.0 was used for the input data, and data analysis respectively. The relationship between independent variables and undernutrition was identified using logistic regression analysis. Results:The study revealed that the magnitude of undernutrition (WFH <-2 Z-score) was 36.8% with a 95% CI (32.1, 41.8). Having acute disease two weeks before the survey (AOR = 5.82, 95% CI: 2.86, 11.84), CD4 level (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.06, 3.25), treating water at home (AOR = 3.30, 95% CI: 1.8, 6.05), duration of follow-up (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.47), food insecurity (AOR = 3.55, 95% CI: 2.03, 6.19), and latrine unavailability (AOR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.39, 5.36) were statistically significant associations with undernutrition among children with ART. Conclusions: The magnitude of undernutrition is a significant problem among pediatric populations affected by HIV/AIDS in the eastern Wollega zone of Ethiopia. The factors associated with undernutrition include acute disease, low CD4 levels, non-treated water at home, duration of follow-up, food insecurity, and latrine unavailability. Public health facilities should implement measures to address these factors to improve the dietary status of children living with HIV/AIDS.