FACTORS INFLUENCING NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS IN KISUMU CENTRAL; A CASE OF KISUMU COUNTY TEACHING AND REFERRAL HOSPITAL.

Abstract

Malnutrition in children under five years is a serious health problem, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, with heavy socioeconomic burdens. The prevalence of stunting and wasting remains high in Kenya. There is a need to further investigate undernutrition and overnutrition to identify the major factors contributing to its persistence. Malnutrition is a major global health problem that contributes to childhood morbidity, mortality, impaired intellectual development, suboptimal adult work capacity, and increased risk of diseases in adulthood. Globally, malnutrition in all forms (undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, overweight, and obesity) remains a challenge. Child malnutrition affects many children aged below 60 months in Kenya. The main objective of this study was to find out the bio-demographic, socio-economic and cultural factors influencing child malnutrition in Kenya. The study was conducted in KCRH using descriptive cross-sectional design that required 50 participants. The target population were women, caregivers and children under the age of five years. Accidental non- probability sampling was used to select the participants of the study. Questionnaires were used for data collection and was designed in English. Anthropometric measurement was used to identify children with malnutrition. The data was presented in tables and percentages. From the data obtained it was established that socio demographic, socio cultural and socio-economic factors have direct impact on nutritional status of under five children.