Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the factors associated with malnutrition among children under five years attending Soroti Regional Referral Hospital (SRRH). Conducted over six months, anthropometric measurements and caregiver interviews were collected from 204 children aged 3 to 59 months. Z-scores for height-for-age (H/A) and weight-for-height (W/H) indices were employed for analysis, supplemented by qualitative insights from two focus group discussions. Statistical analysis using Epi Data version 3.1, EPI-INFO version 7.0, and SPSS version 25.0 unveiled striking figures: global stunting due to chronic malnutrition stood at 55.4%, with severe stunting reaching 25.8%. Age groups 6-12 months and 13-24 months exhibited higher prevalence of acute malnutrition. Malaria and male gender emerged as significant predictors of acute and chronic malnutrition, respectively. Logistic regression highlighted the age group 3-24 months as a significant risk factor for acute malnutrition, while recent deworming served as a protective factor. This study underscores the alarming prevalence of childhood malnutrition at SRRH, delineating crucial predictors and age-related vulnerabilities demanding targeted interventions. Keywords: Acute malnutrition, Children under five years, Stunting, Chronic malnutrition, Malaria
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