Nutritional status and morbidity among HIV/AIDS-affected children aged 6-9 years in Suba district, Kenya
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Date
2008-04
Authors
Were, Gertrude M.
Omo, Ohiokpehai
Kimiywe, Judith
Mbagaya, Grace M.
Okeyo-Owuor, J.B.
Kamau, Joyce
Mbithe, Dorcus
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
WFLPublisher
Abstract
The HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to claim lives and render many children orphans. More than 3 million people died from AIDS including half a
million children. In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that 12 million children have been orphaned by HIV and this number is set to increase. HIV/
AIDS orphaned children suffer malnutrition which adversely affects their health. Objective of this study was to establish the magnitude of
underweight, stunting and wasting as indicators of malnutrition among HIV/AIDS-affected school children aged 6-9 years in Suba district. A crosssectional
research design was used and setting included Lambwe, Sindo and Ong’ayo primary schools in Suba district. A total of 150 children were
sampled from HIV/AIDS-affected households. Anthropometric measurements and guided questionnaires were the main tools of data collection. Data
was analyzed using SPSS and the Nutri-survey computer software programs. Of the children 8.8% were underweight, 13.3% stunted and 7.6%
wasted. Cereals formed the main part of the childrens’ diet, fish was the most consumed protein and vegetable and fruit consumption was low. Total
kilocalories taken were 41% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance. The most reported illnesses which were also confirmed by the doctor’s
clinical assessment were malaria (16%), upper respiratory infections (6.1%) and skin infections (8.0%). Primary education was completed by
67.4% of mothers, while only 1.2% had post secondary education. The average monthly maternal income was Ksh 1,550 ($ 24.2). Food security
was reported to be low as 64.6% of the households purchased food three months after harvest. HIV/AIDS-affected children suffered underweight,
stunting and wasting with morbidity, poverty, low educational and occupational status of the parents/guardians cited as probable determinants.
Interventions should therefore focus on improved agricultural production, innovative poverty alleviation methods and education.
Description
Publisher version (WFL Publishers) available at www.isfae.org/scientficjournal/2008/issue2/pdf/food/f13.pdf
Keywords
Orphans, household, underweight, stunting and wasting
Citation
Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment Vol.6(2) : 68-73. 2008