FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE INCIDENCE OF SEVERE ACUTE MALNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN ATTENDING CLINIC AT KOMBEWA COUNTY HOSPITAL.

Abstract

vi ABSTRACT This study examines the demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, and health conditions of children to identify factors contributing to Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). Data were collected on age, number of siblings, dwelling place, education status, marital status of parents, socio-economic status, monthly income, maternal practices, vaccination status, birth intervals, recent illnesses, treatment outcomes, and weight after treatment. The findings indicate that the highest prevalence of SAM is in children aged 2-10 years (54%), predominantly from larger families with more than five siblings (48%) and residing in rural areas (63%). Secondary education is the most common education level among parents (37%), and a significant portion of children come from non-married households (36%). Economic instability is evident, with 39% of parents self-employed and 35% unemployed, and a substantial number of families (29%) earning less than 10,000 Ksh per month. Maternal practices are generally favorable, with a majority (56) of children breastfed for more than six months. However, a concerning number (26) are not fully vaccinated, increasing their vulnerability to preventable diseases. Short birth intervals are common (53%), and nearly half of the children (47) have experienced a recent illness, with tooth decay (18) and malabsorption disorders (16) being more prevalent than HIV (13) and cancer (5). Treatment outcomes show that most conditions are treated within 14 days (49), yet a significant number of cases require longer durations, indicating more severe conditions. The majority of children remain underweight after treatment, with 38 children having a BMI less than 18.5 KG/M. The study concludes with recommendations for enhancing healthcare access, educational support, economic empowerment, maternal and child health services, vaccination programs, and follow-up care to mitigate the factors contributing to SAM and improve child health outcomes.