KAMPALA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY WESTERN CAMPUS, SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCE, FACULTY OF MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY.

ABSTRACT;

Introduction; Malnutrition or nutritional deficiency according to world health organization

is the cellular imbalance between the supply of nutrients and energy and the body‘s demand

for them to ensure growth, and maintenance of specific functions. (World Health

Organization 2005)

Objective; To establish the knowledge regarding malnutrition among mothers of children

zero to five years admitted on pediatric ward of Kilembe Mines Hospital, in Kasese District.

Methodology; A cross-section qualitative study was carried out; where fifty participants

were representative in this research; and assumption was that, additional participants will do

less or no more on the end result. The participants were interviewed using a questionnaire

which contained both closed and open ended questions, to collect the required data. Eight

questions were asked in each part, and graded adequate knowledge if answered seven and

above, moderate if answered four to six and limited if answered three and below.

Findings; Regarding manifestation of malnutrition, 64% had limited knowledge, 30% had

moderate and 6% had adequate. About causes of malnutrition, 84% had limited knowledge;

14% moderate and 2% adequate. With knowledge level regarding prevention of malnutrition;

88% had limited knowledge, 8% moderate and 4% adequate.

Conclusion; This limited knowledge predisposes infants to risk of malnutrition even in the

hands of their mothers and the general society.

Recommendation; Adequate health education to the mothers regarding malnutrition is a

prerequisite to reduce malnutrition induced morbidity and mortality among infants.

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