Background: Prevalence of malnutrition among under-five children is very high in many developing countries of the world. As a step towards reducing the prevalence, there is need to identify the important determinants of malnutrition. This study examined the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition among under-five children admitted at Bugando pediatric ward.
Material and method: This was a hospital based cross sectional study, involving parents with their children who were admitted at Bugando medical centre and Sekou Toure over four months period from September 2014 to January 2015 in pediatric wards. Data was collected using a questionnaire in which clinical presentations, measurements of weight for length or height which was interpreted using Z-score for mild (-ISD), moderate (-2SD) and severe (-3SD) malnutrition, Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC). Guardians knowledge on malnutrition and feeding practices were also be assessed through a string of questions.
Results: Descriptive and regression analyses were used to analyze anthropometrics data collected from 382 children. Descriptive results indicate 33% of the sample children were malnourished. Regression analysis shows that the significant determinants of malnutrition were gender and age of child, history of breastfeeding, balanced diet given to a weaned child and history of exclusive breastfeeding. To reduce the present high rate of malnutrition, the study suggests the targeting of women with education programs and food nutrition.
Wurzburg Road 35, BMC Premises, Post Code: 33102: P. O. Box 1464, Mwanza – Tanzania: Phone: +255 28 298 3384: Fax: +255 28 298 3386: Email: vc@bugando.ac.tz : www.bugando.ac.tz
--Pediatrics and Child Health--Parasitology and Entomology