Time of recovery and associated factors of children with severe acute malnutrition treated at outpatient therapeutic feeding program in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia.

The recovery rate was within the level specified in the Sphere International standards which is >75%. A higher weight at admission, taking deworming and a steady weight gain were positively associated with a fast recovery time. Appropriate nutritional therapy and management of SAM as per the national protocol will be helpful to overcome lower weight gain and higher length of stay on treatment.