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Abstract Background The prevalence of Vitamin B12 deficiency is common and is more frequent in low- and middle-income countries with a poor or inadequate diet of animal foods. In Ethiopia, researches related to the status of micronutrients in children are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and associated factors among primary school children. Methods A cross-sectional study design was conducted from January 10-February 30/2023. A total of 514 students were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire, document review, anthropometric measurement, and laboratory studies were implemented to collect data. Data was analyzed by STATA version 14 and summarized by using frequency tables and graphs. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with vitamin B12 Deficiency. Results About 34% of the students were found to have vitamin B12 deficiency. Not Consuming animal products (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI:1.20–2.79) and low body mass index (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI:1.05–2.47) were associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Conclusions The study revealed a notable high deficiency of vitamin B12 in primary school students. Consumption of animal products and BMI were identified as statically significant associated factors with serum concentration of vitamin B12.

Introduction: Globally, there is rising concern over the growing reliance on breast milk substitutes (BMSs). However, limited studies have been conducted to explore this issue in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess infant formula feeding and associated factors among mothers of infants aged 0–6 months in Debre Berhan City, 2023. Methods and materials: This cross-sectional study used a multistage sampling technique to select 656 mothers residing in Debre Berhan city. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to identify the factors associated with infant formula feeding. The findings are then presented as frequencies, percentages, and odds ratios. Results: The prevalence of infant formula feeding in Debre Berhan city was 39.7 %. In addition, having a female child [AOR = 1.75, 95 % CI: 1.08–2.86], receiving a college education or higher [AOR = 5.79, 95 % CI: 2.38–14.08], being in the age category of 25–34 [AOR = 2.38, 95 % CI: 1.10–5.15] or 35–45 [AOR = 3.43, 95 % CI: 1.35–8.69], being a prime mother [AOR = 1.81, 95 % CI: 1.12–2.94], receiving breastfeeding advice [AOR = 4.64, 95 % CI: 2.78–7.75], delivering via a C-section [AOR = 5.39, 95 % CI: 2.54–11.42], initiating breastfeeding late [AOR = 2.26, (95 % CI: 1.41–3.64)], or being unaware of the risks associated with infant formula feeding [AOR = 5.48, 95 % CI: 3.20–9.39] were the factors that drove mothers towards infant formula feeding. Conclusion: In Debre Berhan city, the prevalence of infant formula feeding was high. Fortunately, with appropriate interventions, most of the factors that led to infant formula feeding could be effectively addressed.