Factors Associated with Undernutrition among Children Under Five Years at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima City Western Uganda

Abstract

Undernutrition was one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity among under-five children in Sub-Saharan Africa. To understand the determinants of undernutrition among under-five children, this study was conducted at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH) in Hoima City. The source of data was household demographic and socio-economic characteristics which included anthropometric data on under-five children at HRRH. Anthropometric data included height, weight and MUAC for the different ages of the children. Data analysis was done in the Epi Info program module and Stata statistical software. Multivariate analysis was done by fitting a binary logistic regression model to establish the underlying determinants of undernutrition among under-five children. It was found that children aged 39-59 months were less likely to be underweight than those aged less than twelve months. Findings also revealed that stunting was more prevalent among children of peasant farmers than the pastoralists. There was however no significant relationship between child wasting and selected child characteristics. It was worth noting that the study was essential in pointing out the particular age groups among under-five children as well as the occupations that contribute to undernutrition in Hoima City. Based on the findings, the study recommends exclusive breastfeeding and proper complementary feeding, especially among those aged less than three years. Special arrangements could also be put in place to have children of mothers engaged in cultivation brought regularly for breastfeeding. Keywords: Undernutrition, Anthropometric, Breastfeeding, Underweight.