Adolescents’ nutritional status and its association with academic performance in South Ethiopia; a facility-based cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Adolescence is a particularly vulnerable stages of life in which malnutrition inhibits academic performance through poor growth and development, mental retardation, overall cognitive function health status. However, there dearth evidence regarding the association between nutritional status among adolescent students. Therefore, this study aimed to determine secondary school students Wolaita Sodo town, Southern Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional was conducted 670 systematically selected adolescents schools town from April June 2019. The measured using mean mark score two consecutive semesters’ results all subjects. Data were analyzed Stata software Version 15. Descriptive statistics, binary multiple linear regression analysis done. Statistical dependent independent variables declared at p- valu e < 0.05. Results 69.21 ± 0.42 (95% CI: 68.34–70.02%). increased by 1.89 (? = 1.89; 95%CI: 1.14, 2.64) for unit increase BMI age z-score. Being female decreased 2.63 ? 2.63; 4.28, 0.98) being separated parents 4.73 4. 73; 6.73, 2.74). first wealth class 9.92 (? 9.92; 12.79, 7.04) as compared highest class. Attending private 4.18 4.18; 95% 2.46, 5.90). Conclusions Interventions targeted adolescents’ should be designed implemented. education office concerned bodies s hould launch feeding program public schools. Development income generation activities target households Schools are recommended design additional teaching learning schemes such tutorial classes girl