Sick Child Feeding Practice and Associated Factors Among Mothers of Children < 2 Years in Dire Dawa Health Facilities, Eastern Ethiopia, 2025

Abstract

Background: Children’s nutritional status can rapidly deteriorate during or after common childhood illnesses if increased nutritional needs are not adequately addressed. The first two years of life are critical for growth and development, as appropriate nutrition during this period reduces morbidity and mortality and improves long-term health outcomes. This study aimed to assess sick child feeding practices and associated factors among mothers of sick children under two years of age attending health facilities in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia, in 2025.

Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to April 30, 2025. Data were collected using the Kobo tool and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. A total of 417 mothers of sick children under two years of age were selected using systematic random sampling. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with sick child feeding practices. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to measure the strength of associations, and statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05.

Results: A total of 417 mothers or caregivers participated in the study, with a mean maternal age of 35 years. Good sick child feeding practices were observed among 42.2% of mothers (95% CI: 37.4, 47.1). Higher family income (AOR = 3.33; 95% CI: 1.10, 9.90), frequent antenatal care visits (AOR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.33, 4.72), and breastfeeding frequency of at least eight times per day (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.33, 4.72) were significantly associated with good sick child feeding practices.

Conclusion: More than half of the mothers demonstrated poor sick child feeding practices. Family income, frequency of antenatal care visits, and breastfeeding frequency were significant determinants. Strengthening nutrition counseling and promoting optimal infant and young child feeding practices, with greater involvement of fathers, are essential to improve feeding practices during childhood illness.