Determinants of malnutrition among under five children in Northern Uganda

Abstract

Nutritional status is the condition of the body resulting from the nutrient content of the food we eat in relation to our nutritional needs, and from the ability of our bodies to digest, absorb and use those nutrients. Normal nutritional status among individuals is when one attains a balance of food consumption and normal utilization of nutrients. However, when the nutrients provided in the diet are inadequate or not utilized properly, a state of imbalance results in the body. The study used secondary data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic Health Survey dataset. A sample of 1116 children that were interviewed aged between 0-4 years was used. Data were analyzed using Stata 15 frequency distributions and Pearson’s Chi-square test was used for descriptive data analysis. The level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. The Study results show that 65% of the children in Northern Uganda were malnourished (wasted). Malnutrition among under five children was significantly associated with children ever born, wealth index and education. It was higher among children whose mothers had six and more children (71%), in the poor wealth index (67%) and with no education attainment (79%). The government emphasizes women empowerment in terms of girl child education since education attainment increases on the knowledge and information about maternal and child health. Primary health centers should as well educate mothers about nutrition of children especially during pre- and post-antenatal visits. Additionally, the government should also ensure that there are affordable medical services, professional advice and assistance to the expectant or pregnant mothers about their feeding and nutritional practices to reduce on the high malnutrition rates and its dangers.