| Summary: | Shimelis Girma, Arefayne Alenko Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Shimelis Girma 378, Jimma University, Jimma, EthiopiaTel +251 911721438Email shimelisgirma@gmail.comBackground: Global acute malnutrition is one of the major contributors to the death of young children. It accounts for about 35% to 55% of all childhood deaths in low- and middle-income countries. However, there have been limited studies examining the relationship between global acute malnutrition and women’s involvement in decision-making, and nutrition-related knowledge in the locality.Patients and Methods: A case–control study was conducted from March to April 2018. The sample size was determined using Epi Info statistical software, and a total of 234 children with their parents involved in the study. Childs’ height was measured using a stadiometer, and a digital weight scale was used to measure child weight. Weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) was computed using the World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro Software. Women’s involvement in household decision-making was assessed using the household decision-making index. Socio-demographic and maternal nutrition-related knowledge were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Data entry and statistical analysis were done using EpiData 3.1 and Statistical Package for Social Science 24.0 (SPSS). Statistically, a significant association was declared by adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and P-value less than or equal to 0.05.Results: About three-fifths of mothers whose children were cases had poor nutrition-related knowledge regarding optimal child feeding. The study found poor maternal nutrition-related knowledge (AOR 5.16, 95% CI (1.9, 13.96)), not attending formal education (AOR 4.98, 95% CI (2.09, 11.82)), lack of maternal involvement in household decision-making (AOR 4.68, 95% CI (1.99, 10.97)), and lowest wealth index (AOR 3.76, 95% CI (1.24, 11.38)) as independent predictors.Conclusion and Recommendation: Maternal nutrition-related knowledge, maternal educational status, and involvement in household decision-making were found to be independent predictors of child global acute malnutrition. Emphasis needs to be given in strengthening girls’ education, nutrition education, household economic strengthening activities, and women empowerment in decision-making.Keywords: global acute malnutrition, Southwest Ethiopia, household-related factors
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