Abstract:

Background: Under nutrition refers to deficiencies/ imbalances in a person’s intake of nutrient which can lead to stunting, wasting and underweight the world health organization (WHO approximated that under nutrition account for about 54% of children mortality worldwide (1 million children).

Objective of the study: To determine the prevalence, and risk factors of under nutrition among under five children attending under five clinics at Magu district hospital.

Methodology: The study was hospital-based cross-sectional study where a total of 353 under five children presenting at Magu District Hospital were recruited. Anthropometrics measures of age, height/length and weight and measurement of mid-upper arm circumference were obtained and compared with reference anthropometric indices in accordance to WHO to assess nutritional status for patients presenting to the hospital and health facilities.

Results: A total of 353 children aged 6-59 months were participated in the study the mean age of the children was 14.6 months. Most of the children were originated from Isandula which accounted 58(16.8%) and the age of the children and occupation of the guardian were statistically significant associated with nutritionals status with 12.7(0.02) and 4.5(0.01), respectively while other predictable variable was not significant statistically associated with nutritional status of under-fives children. The prevalence of under nutrition at Magu was found to be 23.8% among under five children.

Conclusion: High prevalence of under nutrition among the under five children were observed in which male children are more likely to become undernourished females. This finding confirmed that among the determinant factors; male, child age, material education, and marital status remain key risk factors under nutrition. Appropriate multidisciplinary approach on nutrition education and hygienic practices need to be promoted at family and community levels to improve nutrition of the children.