Influence of Households’ Socio-Economic and Demographic Characteristics on Morbidity and Nutritional Status of Preschool Children in Ganze- Kilifi County, Kenya

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Globally, socio economic and demographic status of households have been shown to influence the health of school children. However, knowledge of the impact of these factors on children’s health is scarce in Kilifi County. This study evaluated the influence of households’ socio-economic and demographic characteristics on Preschool children’s morbidity and nutritional status in Ganze Kilifi County, Kenya. A total of 288 pre-school children (3-5 years) and their households were selected from ten Government schools five which had a school lunch programme (study group) and five without the programme (Control group) but in the same locality. Households’ socioeconomic and demographic data was collected by trained research assistants using pretested questionnaires. WHO Anthro programme was used to evaluate children’s nutritional status and SPSS version 24, and SAS version 9.4 statistical software for Data analysis. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Household heads with no formal education were 30% and the average income of the households was KES. 3000-5000 per month. Households’ average daily allocation to food was Kes.100-150. Children enrollment in preschool was 65% for boys and girls 35%. Children who were sick two weeks, prior to the interview were 2 times more likely to be stunted [OR=2.20; 95%CI=1.25 - 3.85; P=0.006] and 2.5 times more likely to be underweight [OR=2.66; 95%CI=1.48 - 4.77; P=0.001] compared to children without sickness. This study found that socio economic and demographic factors influenced morbidity and nutritional status of the preschool children. The study showed that the long distance to health services, low education level and income contributed to increased ill health and morbidity resulting into stunted and underweight children. The study recommends that the relevant authorities should improve access to clean water and sanitation in addition to community health outreach services targeting the children. Also, the community should be supported and encouraged to engage in income generating activities for economic empowerment.