Determinants of Growth Monitoring and Promotion Service Utilization Among Children 0-23 Months of Age in Northern Ethiopia: Unmatched Case Control Study

Background: One of the strategies to promote child health and reduce child mortality is growth monitoring and promotion services. But, there is limited information on determinants of Growth Monitoring and Promotion service utilization. Objective: To identify determinants of growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) service utilization among children 0-23 months of age in Legambo district, South Wollo zone, Northern Ethiopia, 2020. Methods: Community based un-matched case control study was conducted on 363 (91 cases and 272 controls) study participants from March 15 to April 15, 2020. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were performed and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals was estimated to identify determinants of GMP service utilization. Results: : Good maternal knowledge (AOR) = 2.42; 95% CI: 1.23, 4.75), favorable attitude (AOR = 2.45; 95% CI; 1.20, 4.98), counseling on GMP (AOR = 2.34; 95% CI; 1.19, 4.56), Attending ante natal care services (AOR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.18, 5.16), index child age 12-17 months(AOR = 3.45; 95% CI: 1.26, 9.41) and 18-23 months (AOR = 4.38; 95% CI: 1.53, 12.49), and short distance to health facilities (AOR = 4.53; 95% CI; 1.99, 10.28) were determinants of GMP service utilization. Conclusion: Index child age, good knowledge, favorable attitude, attending ante natal care services, receiving nutritional counseling and short distance to health facility were determinants of GMP service utilization. Nutritional interventions should emphasis nutritional counseling and accessibility of growth monitoring and promotion services.