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Abstract; Background: Rates of acute malnutrition have been consistently higher in South Sudan than any other country in sub-Saharan Africa, according to South Sudan Household Survey 2010, the prevalence of Global Acute Malnutrition in children under 5 years was 22%, Prevalence of stunting is 45% and underweight was 48%. This study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition among children aged 6-59 months in Jubek state, South Sudan. Methods: This was a cross sectional analytical community based study to assess the prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition among children aged 6-59 months in Jubek state, South Sudan. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire from 396 children. Anthropometric measurements were taken and a blood sample by finger prick was removed for HIV test. The equipment which were used included: WHO recommended MUAC tape for 6months to 59 months old children, digital weighing scale (SECA) and portable Stadiometers. Results: The analysis of this study revealed that, 32.2%, 28.2% and 32.3% of children were stunted, wasted and underweight respectively. The main associated factors of stunting were age older than one year (p= 0.004), children from households who were renting their houses and children who defecate in open spaces with no latrine at their homes (p= 0.015). Underweight was associated with child’s age (p= 0.001), loss of appetite (p=<0.001), children who ate from own plate (p=0.001) and children who didn’t consume meat (p=0.007). Male genders (p=0.022), households with two or more children aged zero to five years (0.010) not consuming vitamin A rich vegetable (p=0.002), diarrheal disease within two weeks prior to interview (p=0.006) and those from households with water sources other than piped (<0.001) were also associated with wasting. Conclusion: The general objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months in Jubek state, South Sudan. This study showed that the levels of stunting, wasting and underweight were high, one in three children were likely to be stunted (32.1%), or wasted (28.2%) or underweight (32.3%). |
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