Linkage between nutritional status of children 6-59 months and some socio-demographic and economic characteristics of mothers in Malava sub-county, Kakamega County

Abstract

The world is currently battling the triple burden of malnutrition across all age groups including children. In Kenya, household socio-demographic and economic characteristics have been shown to contribute to malnutrition among children, but there is little known about the magnitude of their contribution at the sub-county level. This study aimed at determining the association between socio-demographic and economic characteristics of mothers and the nutritional status of their children 6-59 months old. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in November and December of 2021 in Malava Sub-county, Kakamega County, Kenya. Data were collected from households using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 344 randomly selected mothers who had children aged 6-59 months. Nutritional status was determined using anthropometric measurements translated to nutrition indicators using WHO Anthro software. Association between the study variables was determined using Chi-square test. About 53% of the mothers were aged < 25 years. Formal education of mothers was low with 14.5% having no education at all and 46.8% having completed primary level only. Poverty rate was high in the study area with 83.7% of the mothers being unemployed and 77.9% earning less than Ksh. 5,000 (50 USD) per month. Only 14.5% engaged in business as an economic activity. Malnutrition prevalence in Malava Subcounty was high with almost 21% of the children being stunted and 8.1% being severely stunted. The prevalence of wasting and underweight were at 12.5% and 7.5%, respectively. Significant associations were observed between the stunting and the age of the mother (p=0.036) and education level (p=0.023). Education was also significantly associated with wasting (p=0.008). Underweight was associated with education level (p=0.014), average household monthly income (p=0.019) and the household economic activity engagement (p=0.01). The study recommends a multisectoral collaboration in addressing the household demographic and economic characteristics that may help in reducing the prevalence of malnutrition in Malava Subcounty, Kakamega County.