Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the factors associated with malnutrition among
children under five years attending Soroti Regional Referral Hospital (SRRH). Conducted over
six months, anthropometric measurements and caregiver interviews were collected from 204
children aged 3 to 59 months. Z-scores for height-for-age (H/A) and weight-for-height (W/H)
indices were employed for analysis, supplemented by qualitative insights from two focus
group discussions. Statistical analysis using Epi Data version 3.1, EPI-INFO version 7.0, and
SPSS version 25.0 unveiled striking figures: global stunting due to chronic malnutrition stood
at 55.4%, with severe stunting reaching 25.8%. Age groups 6-12 months and 13-24 months
exhibited higher prevalence of acute malnutrition. Malaria and male gender emerged as
significant predictors of acute and chronic malnutrition, respectively. Logistic regression
highlighted the age group 3-24 months as a significant risk factor for acute malnutrition,
while recent deworming served as a protective factor. This study underscores the alarming
prevalence of childhood malnutrition at SRRH, delineating crucial predictors and age-related
vulnerabilities demanding targeted interventions.
Keywords: Acute malnutrition, Children under five years, Stunting, Chronic malnutrition,
Malaria.