Seasonal variation in nutritional status and anemia among lactating mothers in two agro-ecological zones of rural Ethiopia: A longitudinal study

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to determine seasonal and agro-ecological variations in nutritional status, anemia, and associated factors among lactating women in rural Ethiopia. Methods We conducted a longitudinal study with 216 mothers in pre- and postharvest seasons in two agro-ecological zones of rural Ethiopia. We conducted interviews using a structured questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and blood tests for anemia. We used multivariable linear regression models to identify independent predictors. Results The prevalence of anemia increased from postharvest (21.8%) to preharvest seasons (40.9%). Increases were from 8.6% to 34.4% in midland and from 34.2% to 46.3% in lowland agro-ecological zones. Of the mothers, 15% were anemic during both seasons. The prevalence of undernutrition, assessed using body mass index (BMI)