A comparative study of physical health outcomes in children under five years among working mothers and stay at home mothers in Kawempe Division, Kampala City

Abstract

Background: The increasing participation of women in the work force has raised concerns about its impact on child health especially in the urban settings. Despite global research on maternal employment and child outcomes, there’s a significant gap in knowledge regarding its effects on children’s nutritional status and physical well-being in Uganda. Objectives: The objective was to assess the physical health outcomes of children aged 3 months to 5 years raised by working mothers compared to those with stay-at-home mothers in Kawempe division, Kampala District. Method: A comparative cross-sectional study design was employed targeting children from 3 months to 5 years in Kawempe division. Data on nutritional status, frequency of illness and overall physical well-being were collected from children of working and stay-at-home mothers using standardized health indicators under assessment. Results: Children of working mothers had lower exclusive breastfeeding rates (6.7% vs. 82.3% for 6 months), higher meal frequency (>3 meals/day: 65% vs. 37%), and higher stunting rates compared to children of stay-at-home mothers. They also experienced higher rates of diarrhea (74% vs. 59.3%) and respiratory illness (82% vs. 70%) in the past 6 months, despite similar immunization rates (87% vs. 86%). Clinic check-up attendance was more frequent among working mothers’ children (44% vs. 21% annually or more). Dental caries prevalence was higher in working mothers’ children (67% vs. 40%), alongside more sedentary behavior (70% vs. 57% >1 hour/day) and less physical activity (11% vs. 62% >1 hour/day). Conclusion: The findings provide critical insights into the influence of maternal employment status on child health offering evidence to guide policy makers and health care providers in designing interventions to enhance child well-being in Kawempe division and beyond.