Determinants of malnutrition among children aged 6 to 24 months attending a well-baby clinic at Mbagathi hospital, Nairobi

Abstract

Malnutrition in children poses a heavy burden on global society and continues to be a significant public health concern. Developing countries are the most affected accounting for over 90% of the global burden of malnutrition. Evidence indicates that 42% of children in Sub-Sahara Africa under-five years are stunted. In Kenya, stunting is estimated at 26%. The study on determinants of malnutrition among children aged 6 to 24 months aimed to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and associated risk factors in order to generate evidence that can form the basis for strategic interventions. A cross-section study was conducted targeting children aged 6 to 24 months attending a well-baby clinic at Mbagathi hospital. Anthropometric measurements to determine prevalence of wasting, underweight and stunting were taken. In addition, structured questionnaire to gather socio-demographic information, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with key informants were conducted to identify risk factors. Anthropometric data was analyzed on WHO Anthro 2005. Beta version Feb 17th 2006 software. Descriptive statistics, Pearson Chi-square test of association and binomial logistic regression were analyzed on Software for Social Scientists (SPSS) Version 20 to determinant the predictors of malnutrition. Qualitative data was analyzed using the grounded theory approach to develop themes related to research question. Triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data was done to draw conclusions. The study found that 15.3% of children were wasted, 22% underweight and 14.3% stunted. Child illness two weeks before the study, low birth weight, gender, family income and maternal education were significant (p<0.05) factors associated with malnutrition. The study alluded to existence of malnutrition among the study population. Building capacity for staff working at Mbagathi to provide evidence-based interventions and create awareness on malnutrition, stakeholders’ engagement to strengthen nutrition care and support, enhancing girlchild education and a pro-poor policy are recommendations that have the ability to impact on malnutrition.