| dc.description.abstract | Malnutrition in children is a significant public health concern, often associated with inappropriate
infant and young child feeding practices. Limited studies have explored the nutrition knowledge,
attitudes, and practices of caregivers in Bundibugyo district, Uganda, and their impact on the
nutrition status of children under 5 years. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess
the nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices of caregivers with children admitted to
Bundibugyo General Hospital and determine their relationship with the nutrition status of the
children.
The study population consisted of 46 caregivers, all of whom were mothers of children under 5
years. The caregivers represented diverse regions, enhancing the generalizability of the study
findings. Their average age was 24.80 years, reflecting relatively young mothers commonly
associated with caring for young children. Educational backgrounds varied, with 47.8% having
attended at least secondary school and 50.0% completing primary school. The study also examined
the occupation of caregivers, revealing that 37% were engaged in business activities, 41.3% were
involved in farming, and 21.7% were unemployed.
To assess the nutrition status of the children, the study found a concerning prevalence of
malnutrition. Among the children, 43.5% were classified as SAM, 45.7% had a normal nutrition
status, and 10.9% were categorized as Moderate Acute Malnutrition. These findings highlight the
urgent need to address malnutrition among children in the study population.
The study identified knowledge gaps among caregivers regarding infant and young child nutrition.
Areas such as exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices showed limited
understanding among the participants. For instance, only 28.3% of caregivers had heard about
exclusive breastfeeding and understood its correct meaning. Moreover, caregivers demonstrated
inadequate knowledge regarding the appropriate age for introducing complementary foods.
Despite knowledge gaps, caregivers displayed positive attitudes and self-confidence in their
caregiving abilities. The majority expressed confidence in their capacity to provide proper care for
their children and considered their feeding practices to be good. However, challenges were
reported in encouraging children to eat, albeit by a small proportion of caregivers.
Additionally, the acceptability of a fish-enriched meal, as a complementary food, was assessed.
The participants showed overall positive responses in terms of appearance, taste, texture, smell,
and overall liking. Ease of preparation was highlighted as a positive aspect. However, some
caregivers expressed dislikes related to taste, smell, and appearance, indicating differing tastes and
preferences.
The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve caregivers' nutrition
knowledge and practices. Enhancing exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary
feeding practices are crucial for improving children's nutrition status. Education programs tailored
to the context of Bundibugyo district can play a vital role in addressing these issues and promoting
optimal nutrition for children. By targeting caregivers and providing them with the necessary
knowledge and support, the prevalence of malnutrition can be reduced, leading to better health
outcomes for children under 5 years.
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In conclusion, this study sheds light on the nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices of
caregivers in Bundibugyo district and their impact on the nutrition status of their children. The
results highlight the importance of addressing knowledge gaps and promoting evidence-based
feeding practices. By empowering caregivers with accurate information and support, significant
improvements can be achieved in the nutrition status of children under 5 years, contributing to
their overall well-being and development | en_US |
