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

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.