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Background: Globally, up to 26% of children under-five years of age were stunted and
16% were underweight in 2011, which is the 35% decrease in stunting and a 36% decrease
in underweight in 1990. The prevalence of stunting and underweight were shown to be
higher in Africa about 35.6% and 17.7% respectively.The prevalence of stunting has shown
to be 34.7% at the national level, while in Mbeya region it was 36%. It reflects the existence
of chronic malnutrition in the country.
Objectives
To determine the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition in under five children
born to HIV positive mothers attending Mbeya referral hospital in the study period i.e. May
and June 2016.
Methodology
The study was a hospital based cross section study. This study was conducted in May and
June in 2016. The study population was all under five children attended in pediatric
department at Mbeya referral Hospital in May and June 2016 which is the study period.
Interviews using questionnaires was used to collect data from children. Data were entered
and analyzed using SPSS.
Results
Of the 203 enrolled children, the prevalence ofprevalence of stunting, underweight and
wasting were 38.4%, 28.6% and 15.7% respectively. Analysis of this study indicated place
of residence of a child and primary education of mother were found to be significantly
associated with stunting. Underweight is shown to be statistically significant associated
children whose mothers had secondary education or more, and the prevalence of wasting is
significantly associated with the children clinical condition or sickness at the time of
interview was taken.
Conclusion
This study revealed that, prevalence of malnutrition is high and it is among the health
problems in Mbeya city. The prevalence statistics in this study area were higher than
regional and national figures found on TNNS SMART Survey of 2014. Intervention should
focus on reviewing the education curriculums so as to deliver quality education and
improving economic status thereby the health conditions. |
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