Factors influencing the Prevalence of Under Nutrition Among Children Under 5years in Ggaba Parish-Makindye Division.

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition is a major public health problem in Uganda affecting the children’s physical growth and cognitive development which consequently impacts on their health and survival. Objective: To assess the factors influencing the level of prevalence of under nutrition among children under five in Ggaba parish, Makindye Division in order to suggest practical interventions that would improve on the health status of children. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with researcher administered questionnaires, FGD and anthropometric measurements as methods of data collection from 240 respondents. Descriptive, bivariate analyses were undertaken in SPSS and frequency tables, graphs, pie charts, and p values were generated. Z scores were generated using Epi Data software. Results: From the findings, 9%, 20.2% and 7.2% of children under five in Ggaba parish were stunted, underweight and wasted respectively. Chronic malnutrition was the most prevalent form of malnutrition. Sex of the child, child’s age, level of education, employment status, attending PNC, PNC services received, number of dependents, type of meal for the under- fives, immunization status, source of information about child’s health, and average of house income spent on child treatment, were revealed as key predictors in the nutritional status of children under five. Conclusions: Under nutrition is a major problem among children under five years of age in Ggaba parish that is influenced by the child factors, maternal factors and house hold factors.

Therefore interventions to combat the problem should be holistic, multi-sectoral and targeted at both women and children in the community.