Prevalence and associated factors of wasting among pediatric age groups in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
1
Nursing, Teda Health Science College, Gondar, Ethiopia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Wasting continues to be a major public health challenge in Ethiopia, significantly increasing child illness and death. To better inform national policies and interventions, a consolidated understanding of its prevalence and associated factors is crucial. This study aimed to synthesize existing evidence to estimate the overall prevalence of wasting and identify its associated factors among pediatrics in Ethiopia.
METHODS:
This systematic review and meta-analysis, rigorously following PRISMA guidelines and a PECO framework, investigated pediatric wasting and its associated factors in Ethiopia by synthesizing published English cross-sectional studies. A comprehensive database search from May 25 to June 17, 2025, identified relevant literature, with included studies undergoing independent quality assessment and data extraction by multiple reviewers to minimize bias. A meta-analysis of 22 studies estimated the pooled prevalence of wasting. Data analysis utilized STATA version 17, employing a random-effects model, subgroup analyses, publication bias assessments, trim-and-fill analysis, and sensitivity analysis for robust estimates.
RESULTS:
Analyzing 22 studies with a combined 25,153 participants from various regions across Ethiopia, this review found the pooled prevalence of wasting among pediatric age groups to be 12.84% (95% CI: 11.17 – 14.52). Associated factors include younger age, suboptimal feeding practices (delayed initiation of breastfeeding, non-exclusive breastfeeding, early complementary feeding), recent diarrheal episodes, poor dietary diversity, low meal frequency, poor socioeconomic status, maternal illiteracy, lack of antenatal care, short interpregnancy intervals & large number of children in household.
CONCLUSIONS:
This systematic review and meta-analysis reveals a high pooled prevalence of pediatric wasting in Ethiopia, highlighting it as a critical public health concern. Effectively combating this requires a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach prioritizing strengthened child feeding practices, improved hygiene and sanitation, enhanced maternal and reproductive health services, addressing socioeconomic determinants, targeted interventions in "hotspot" areas, and integrated health services.
Wasting continues to be a major public health challenge in Ethiopia, significantly increasing child illness and death. To better inform national policies and interventions, a consolidated understanding of its prevalence and associated factors is crucial. This study aimed to synthesize existing evidence to estimate the overall prevalence of wasting and identify its associated factors among pediatrics in Ethiopia.
METHODS:
This systematic review and meta-analysis, rigorously following PRISMA guidelines and a PECO framework, investigated pediatric wasting and its associated factors in Ethiopia by synthesizing published English cross-sectional studies. A comprehensive database search from May 25 to June 17, 2025, identified relevant literature, with included studies undergoing independent quality assessment and data extraction by multiple reviewers to minimize bias. A meta-analysis of 22 studies estimated the pooled prevalence of wasting. Data analysis utilized STATA version 17, employing a random-effects model, subgroup analyses, publication bias assessments, trim-and-fill analysis, and sensitivity analysis for robust estimates.
RESULTS:
Analyzing 22 studies with a combined 25,153 participants from various regions across Ethiopia, this review found the pooled prevalence of wasting among pediatric age groups to be 12.84% (95% CI: 11.17 – 14.52). Associated factors include younger age, suboptimal feeding practices (delayed initiation of breastfeeding, non-exclusive breastfeeding, early complementary feeding), recent diarrheal episodes, poor dietary diversity, low meal frequency, poor socioeconomic status, maternal illiteracy, lack of antenatal care, short interpregnancy intervals & large number of children in household.
CONCLUSIONS:
This systematic review and meta-analysis reveals a high pooled prevalence of pediatric wasting in Ethiopia, highlighting it as a critical public health concern. Effectively combating this requires a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach prioritizing strengthened child feeding practices, improved hygiene and sanitation, enhanced maternal and reproductive health services, addressing socioeconomic determinants, targeted interventions in "hotspot" areas, and integrated health services.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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