Results for parameters of OLS and spatial models to explain CIAF.

Results for parameters of OLS and spatial models to explain CIAF.</p

Different spatial weight matrices.

BackgroundThere are a number of previous studies that investigated undernutrition and its determinants in Ethiopia. However, the national average in the level of undernutrition conceals large variation across administrative zones of Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to determine the geographic distribution of composite index for anthropometric failure (CIAF) and identify the influencing factors it’ might be more appropriateMethodsWe used the zonal-level undernutrition data for the under-five children in Ethiopia from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) dataset. Different spatial models were applied to explore the spatial distribution of the CIAF and the covariates.ResultsThe Univariate Moran’s I statistics for CIAF showed spatial heterogeneity of undernutrition in Ethiopian administrative zones. The spatial autocorrelation model (SAC) was the best fit based on the AIC criteria. Results from the SAC model suggested that the CIAF was positively associated with mothers’ illiteracy rate (0.61, pvalue 0.001), lower body mass index (0.92, pvalue = 0.023), and maximum temperature (0.2, pvalue = 0.0231) respectively. However, the CIAF was negatively associated with children without any comorbidity (-0.82, pvalue = 0.023), from families with accessibility of improved drinking water (-0.26, pvalue = 0.012), and minimum temperature (-0.16).ConclusionThe CIAF across the administrative zones of Ethiopia is spatially clustered. Improving women’s education, improving drinking water, and improving child breast feeding can reduce the prevalence of undernutrition (CIAF) across Ethiopian administrative zones. Moreover, targeted intervention in the geographical hotspots of CIAF can reduce the burden of CIAF across the administrative zones.</div

The spatial effects models as well as the OLS model.

The spatial effects models as well as the OLS model.</p

The description of the covariates included in the model.

The description of the covariates included in the model.</p

Fig 1 -

Locations of administrative divisions (zones) of Ethiopia: a) Regions; b) zones (Source: Authors).</p

Table 4 - Spatial regression models to assess variations of composite index for anthropometric failure across the administrative zones in Ethiopia

Table 4 - Spatial regression models to assess variations of composite index for anthropometric failure across the administrative zones in Ethiopia</p

Relative risk observed vs predicted: Spatial distribution of crude under-five CIAF rates by zones in Ethiopia.

Source: Created by the authors from EDHS estimates.</p

Descriptive statistics of the selected indicators covariates and the Moran’s I test statistic.

Descriptive statistics of the selected indicators covariates and the Moran’s I test statistic.</p

Composite index of anthropometric failure categories.

Composite index of anthropometric failure categories.</p