Abstract:

Background: Hydrocephalus is one of the most common neurological disabilities presenting in children. Although there are limited studies on its association with malnutrition, neurological comorbidities such as dysphagia have been associated with an increased risk of wasting in children. In this study, we aim to determine the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition in children less with hydrocephalus at Buando medical centre, Mwanza-Tanzania.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition among children with hydrocephalus at Bugando Hospital, in Mwanza.

Methodology: This was a descriptive hospital based cross-sectional study among children with hydrocephalus admitted at BMC for a duration of 8 months from December 2023 to July 2024.

Results: The prevalence of malnutrition among children with hydrocephalus was 23.2%, (95%CI: 19 − 27.7%). Their mean age was 19.5 months (SD 16.8). Most of the children were below 12 months (47.9%) and were male (57.5%). The factors associated with malnutrition among children with hydrocephalus included: having; difficulty in chewing and swallowing (AOR = 2.6, (95%CI:1.05–3.94), a poor appetite (AOR = 1.74, (95%CI: 1.31–2.32), difficulty in breathing (AOR = 1.9, (95%CI: 1.18–3.16), chocking on food (AOR = 1.42, (95%CI:1.1–1.9). Children under 5 years of age with hydrocephalus that were born to women whose highest level of education was 7 to 10 years of formal schooling (AOR = 0.32, 95%CI: (0.12–0.87) were less likely to be wasted.