PREVALENCE AND CO-MORBIDITIES OF UNDER NUTRITION

Malnutrition is a major public health problem of developmental concern with both health and socio-economic consequences. High prevalence is in developing countries which contribute up to 50% of under-five mortality. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, risk factors and co-morbidities of under nutrition among children under 5 years accessing health care services at Kitagata Hospital.MethodsThis was a one month cross-section study design conducted at Kitagata Hospital where by 180 children (90 Males and 90 Females) under five years were selected using systematic random sampling technique to determine their nutritional status. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires. Data was analyzed using SPSS soft ware version 16 and presented in form of frequency distribution tables, pie charts and graphs expressed in percentages.ResultsOut of 180 children, 37(20.6 %) were undernourished with 11.1% stunted, 5% underweight, 1.1% wasted and 3.3% overweight. Risk factors associated with malnutrition were children with age less than 12 months, children fed less than 5 times a day.