PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ACUTE MALNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN UNDER FIVE YEARS ATTENDING KIRYANDONGO HOSPITAL WESTERN UGANDA BETWEEN JUNE & DEC 2018.

ABSTRACT This study was set to assess the prevalence and factors associated with acute malnutrition among under-fives attending Kiryandongo hospital in Western Uganda. Its objectives included determining the prevalence of acute malnutrition among under-fives and also identifying the various factors associated with acute malnutrition among under-fives attending Kiryandongo hospital, Western Uganda. The study adopted a cross sectional study design in which quantitative data was collected using questionnaires from 384 children under five years and their respective caretakers. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). The results showed the prevalence of acute malnutrition among under-fives attending Kiryandongo Hospital in Western Uganda as high as 34.7%. The age of the child as the only child factor associated with acute malnutrition among under-fives (p =0.000 < 0.05). The type of marriage (p=0.000 < 0.05), education level (p = 0.000 < 0.05) and occupation (p = 0.015 < 0.05) were the caregiver factors associated with acute malnutrition among under-fives. Acute malnutrition was higher among children less than 12 months, whose caregivers were in a polygamous relationship, had studied up to primary and with no formal education. It was therefore concluded that there was a significantly high prevalence of acute malnutrition among under-fives and age of the child is very important in deciding the nutritional interventions needed to prevent acute malnutrition. The type of marriage, level of education alongside the occupation of the caregivers are crucial in policies regarding malnutrition among under-fives attending health facilities in Uganda. The study therefore recommended among others that the Ministry of Health should in collaboration with the management of health facilities institute mechanisms that promote proper diet in children less than 1 year so as to check acute malnutrition. It was also recommended that the religious leaders in collaboration with the different key stakeholders in society should promote monogamous type of marriage as to reduce poor nutrition status and their consequences among the under-fives in communities.