Assessment of the Factors Associated With Malnutrition In Children under Five Years at Kapkatet Sub County Hospital

Abstract

Prevalence of various forms of malnutrition among children has increased on a global scale and according to recent data, there has been 222 million of more children suffering from under nutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2016 than there were in 2010. Malnutrition remains a significant public health concern globally, with varying prevalence rates across different regions and countries. The study aimed to assess factors associated with malnutrition in children under five years of age in Kapkatet Sub County Hospital. The study adopted cross-sectional study design. The study was carried out in Kapkatet Subcounty Hospital. The research targeted 44 children under 5 years of age, however the response rate was 91%. This study employed a convenience sampling technique. The data were obtained from respondents using structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were summarized using mean, frequency and percentages. Binomial Logistic Regression analysis was used to determine association between independent variables and outcome variables (extent of malnutrition among under five years). Data were presented using tables and pie chart. The majority of children under 5 years of age, were of 24-35 months, accounting for 22.5% of the sample. Females’ children were more prevalent, constituting 62.5% of the sample, while males accounted for 37.5%. the prevalence of malnutrition is highest in children aged 12-23 months, with 25% of children in this age group being malnourished. The prevalence of malnutrition is also relatively high in children aged 24-35 months and 48-59 months, at 22.2% and 20% respectively. The results also show that there is a slight gender difference in the prevalence of malnutrition, with slightly more girls (24%) being malnourished than boys (13.3%). The Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) of malnutrition in this study is 20%, which is relatively high. Among under 5 years children population, stunting growth was still the highest with 10% of the participants having it, followed by 7.5% for underweight and 2.5% for wasting. The mean duration of breastfeeding in the sample population was 4.5 months. The mean age at which complementary foods were introduced to infants was 3.6 months. Approximately 35.0% reported have less than 3 meals per day, while 55.0% reported having 3 meals per day. A smaller proportion of participants, 10.0%, reported having more than 3 meals per day. Majority of 60.0% reported undergoing regular routine health check-ups. Majority, 45%, of the study participants (parents) reported that they were satisfied with healthcare services provided, followed by very satisfied (25%), neutral (15%), dissatisfied (10%) while the least were very dissatisfied (5%). Socio-demographic factors such as parental age (46 and above years), educational level (no formal and tertiary education), occupation (unemployment), household income, child’s age and number of children under 5 years in a family (3 or more) were statistically associated with malnutrition among under 5 years children. Furthermore, dietary patterns or practices such as number of meals per day and eating of balanced diet meals were significantly associated with malnutrition among under 5 years children. Therefore, it its significant to emphasize the urgent need for targeted interventions to combat malnutrition, improve nutrition practices, and promote overall health and well-being among children. By addressing these challenges and implementing effective public health interventions, we can mitigate the negative consequences of malnutrition and ensure a healthier future for children in the population.