Factors Contributing to Malnutrition among Under- Fives:

Abstract

Background: Over 90% of children with stunted growth are situated in Africa and Asia. Nearly 45% of deaths among under-fives in low and middle income countries are associated with under nutrition. In Uganda, malnutrition is accountable for 60% of the deaths among under-fives and it is the leading cause of premature death among the same age group in Mubende Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). The study set out to determine factors contributing to malnutrition among children under-fives in Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. Abstract Keywords: Children; Mubende; Nutrition; Malnutrition; Under Nutrition; Under-Fives Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey involving mixed methods of data collection from 50 respondents and 10 key informants. Data collected was analyzed using Excel and results were presented using Tables, graphs and charts. Results: The majority of participants were married (64%), housewives (42%), had primary education (42%), owned land (64%) but only 50% stated that their land was productive and 72% believed that poverty affected the children’s nutritional status. Although 86% breastfed their children, most of them weaned them as early as 12 months (55.8%) owing to successive early pregnancy (58%). Supplementary feeds mainly porridge (60%) and cow’s milk (20%) was served at most twice a day (48%). Also, 68% held cultural beliefs that impeded appropriate feeding of children for example; the respondents believed that feeding the under-fives on eggs delayed their speech ability. Conclusion: Poverty is considered the leading factor contributing to malnutrition among under-fives. Other factors are: early pregnancy, family size, mother and fathers’ levels of education, chronic diseases, perceptions, and early introduction of supplementary feeds. Land ownership does not assure nutrition unless it is productive. Nutrition literacy, food security, and meeting the family planning unmet need could control malnutrition in MRRH. List of abbreviations: HFA: Health for All; HMIS: Health Management and Information System; MRRH: Mubende Regional Referral Hospital; PACE: Program for Accessible Health Communication and Education; PEM: Protein Energy Malnutrition; PHC: Primary Health Care; RHCFU: Rural Health Care Foundation Uganda; UNBS: Uganda National Bureau of Statistics; UNICEF: United Nations Children Fund; VHTs: Village Health Teams; WHO: World Health Organization