Utilization of zinc supplements and its associated factors among children with acute diarrhea treated in health facilities in Chiro town, Eastern Ethiopia

Background: Zinc supplementation effectively reduces the duration and severity of diarrheal episodes, particularly in regions with a high burden of diarrhea. However, its use varies significantly across regions and evidence in this region is limited and use could be affected by multiple factors to be understood. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of zinc supplementation and identify factors associated with its use among children under five with diarrhea in chiro town, eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 11th – 30th August 2024 among 421 systematically randomly selected children aged under five years who had acute diarrhea in the two weeks preceding the study. Data on zinc supplementation use, socio-demographic and economic characteristics, diarrheal illness-related factors, previous history of zinc use, and exposure to information about zinc supplementation were collected from the children’s mothers using a pretested, structured, interviewer administered questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between zinc supplementation use and socio-demographic and treatment-related variables. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of < 0.05. Model fit was assessed using the Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit test, with a p-value of 0.345 indicating a well-fitting model. Results: A total of 417 mothers of children under five agreed to participate in the study, yielding a response rate of 99%. A total of 177 (42.5%; 95% CI: 37.7%, 43.4%) children with diarrhea in the two weeks preceding the study utilized zinc supplements. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, better maternal education (aOR = 2.88; 95% CI: 1.52, 5.46), withholding food or fluids during diarrheal episodes (aOR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.36), and no previous history of zinc use among mothers (aOR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.35, 3.84) were significantly associated with the use of zinc supplements. Conclusion: Zinc supplement use remains low in Eastern Ethiopia, highlighting the need for enhanced behavioral interventions. Intervention efforts should target mothers with no formal education, those with misconceptions about zinc, and those with prior exposure zinc supplements. Strong, targeted counseling and health education are crucial to improving zinc supplement use.