Magnitude of underweight and its associated factors among children aged 6–59 months visiting health center in Nefas Silk Lafto Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION: Millions of children in low-income countries suffer from malnutrition, which continues to be the most important public health problem in developing countries. Although the proportion of underweight has declined in Addis Ababa, it remains a leading cause of illness and death in children <5 years. Therefore, this study aims to close the knowledge gap by assessing the prevalence and factors related to underweight among children aged 6–59 months who visit the health centers in Nefas Silk Lafto Sub City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An institutional-based, quantitative cross-sectional design was used to conduct the study. Systematic sampling system was applied to select 422 study participants. The data were collected via interview using a structured questionnaire. Weight of children was taken according to the recommended standard procedures. WHO Anthro software was used to convert anthropometric measurements into Z-scores. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were employed to identify the predictor variables. Statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05 with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) calculated at 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The overall underweight prevalence among under-five children was 9.9% with 95% CI (7.2–12.8). Participants from low household income (AOR = 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.97), children having a history of diarrhea (AOR = 14.7; 95% CI: 3.7–23.3), children who were frequently ill (AOR = 12.7; CI = 1.02–15.1), children who were not frequently breastfed (AOR = 9.3; CI = 1.6–12.9), children who were given prelacteal foods at birth (AOR = 11.7; CI = 2.2–13.9), and children from family which used public toilet (AOR = 5.4; CI = 1.05–6.5) were more likely to be underweight than their respective counterparts. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION: Prevalence of underweight was 9.9% is even better than the nation. Strengthening behavior change activities, enable mothers to avoid giving prelacteal foods and increase the frequency of breastfeeding should be in place to prevent diarrhea and promoting environmental cleanness are recommended.