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This is a Cross-Sectional Study study.

October 19, 2025Open Access

Outcome and predictors of mortality among severely malnourished children under five years of age admitted to stabilization centers in Mekelle city, Tigray region, northern Ethiopia, amid the Tigray war

Key Points

The study identified a high mortality rate among children with severe acute malnutrition admitted to stabilization centers.
Recovery was only 66.5% among 185 children with severe acute malnutrition, with shock identified as a key mortality predictor.
Data was collected through a structured abstraction tool, and bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed on the results.
Findings highlight the urgency for early identification and treatment of shock to improve outcomes for malnourished children.

Abstract

Abstract Background Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) is a leading cause of death in children under five, especially in resource-limited settings. Children with SAM have a nine fold higher mortality rate than well-nourished children. The condition is exacerbated during armed conflicts such as the Tigray war. Identification of causes of death among under five years children with severe acute malnutrition is critical. This study assessed the outcome and predictors of mortality among under-five children with SAM admitted to two stabilization centers in Mekelle City, Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia amid the Tigray war. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at two Mekelle City stabilization centers from January to July 2022. A structured data abstraction tool was used for data collection. Data was coded, edited, cleaned, entered, and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results are presented using tables and charts. Descriptive statistics (percentages, means and median) were computed. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors associated with SAM patient outcomes. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 185 children were analyzed. The most common type of SAM was non-edematous, accounting for 158 (85.4%) of cases. Of the children, 123 (66.5%) recovered, 22 (11.9%) were transferred out, 17 (9.2%) defaulted, and 23 (12.4%) died. The presence of shock was an independent predictor of mortality adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.40; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07, 17.98; P = 0.041. Conclusion Mortality rate was high. The recovery rate was below the SPHERE standard. The presence of shock was an independent predictor of mortality. Early detection and prompt treatment of shock is crucial to reducing mortality among children admitted with severe acute malnutrition.

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