Predictors of Nutrition Status of Children Aged 6-23 Months Old in Kisii County, Kenya
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Date
2021
Authors
Mokeira, Lydia Ongeta
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Globally, 2.3 million children died in 2015 due to malnutrition. In addition, 161 million children are stunted, 101 million are underweight, 52 million are wasted and 43 million are overweight worldwide. In sub Saharan Africa, 45% of all child deaths have been attributed to malnutrition with 35.6% children being stunted, 17.7% being underweight, 8.5% being wasted and 7.3% being overweight. In Kenya, 26% of children aged below five years are stunted, 11% are underweight and 4% are wasted. In Kisii, 26% of under-five children are stunted, 15% are underweight and 3% are wasted. Malnutrition in young children results from inappropriate complementary feeding practices, morbidity patterns of children and socioeconomic status of household. If malnutrition is not corrected by 23 months of age, it could lead to impaired intellectual performance, low productivity and increased risks of non-communicable diseases. Scientific evidence on infant and young child feeding practices from developing countries show that progress in reducing malnutrition prevalence is possible when effective strategies and sufficient resources are applied. Thus the purpose of this study was to establish the factors contributing to malnutrition of children in Marani sub County in Kisii County, Kenya as there is limited scientific data on factors contributing to malnutrition in children aged 6-23 months old. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on a sample size of 328 children together with their mothers/caregivers in Marani Sub County in Kisii County, Kenya. A standardized questionnaire and focus group discussion guide were used in collection of data. Data was analyzed by use of SPSS software version 26. Anthropometric data was analyzed by ENA for Smart version 2011.Socio economic status was determined by the principal component analysis. The mean age of the children was 12.08± 4.932. The main type of food consumed was grains, roots, tubers and mashed bananas. The mean dietary diversity was 3.47± 1.018. The minimum acceptable diet was achieved by only 17.5%. In regard to nutritional status of children 17.8% were stunted, 11.7% were underweight while 10.5% were wasted. In terms of sickness, 45.5% of the children had suffered from diarrhea and 29.5% malaria. Lack of achievement of minimum dietary diversity was associated with poor nutritional status (χ²=19.343, P= 0.005, df =10). Lack of consumption of a diversified diet was a major predictor of nutrition status of the children (OR =1.926, P =0.003). Absence of the mother as a caregiver was a predictor for wasting in children (OR =1.657, P=0.04). Hence, findings of this research can be used by the ministry of health to come up with strategies of educating the community on proper feeding practices and they can integrate education on water, sanitation and hygiene
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science (Food, Nutrition And Dietetics) Kenyatta University School of Public Health and Applied Human Sciences
Keywords
Predictors of Nutrition, Status of Children Aged 6-23 Months, Old In Kisii County, Kenya