Abstract

Uganda had one of the highest levels of childhood stunting in sub-Saharan Africa. It was well documented that the
nutritional status of young children was one of the most sensitive indicators of sudden changes in health status and
food availability, acting as a proxy indicator of socio-economic development. Fort Portal District, the focus of the
present study, was one of the most fertile areas in Uganda, with high per capita output of most foods. However,
earlier studies in Fort Portal District found that over 40% of children below five years of age were stunted. The
objective of this study was, therefore, to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and the factors influencing the
nutritional status of children below five years of age, attending Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, western
Uganda. The study design was a cross sectional descriptive survey, using both qualitative and quantitative methods
of data collection. A questionnaire was administered to 87 caretakers of children 6-59 months, which explored the
various factors that could be affecting the nutritional status of the children. Key information was also sought from a
focus group discussion of a few selected mothers. Results revealed that stunting was highly prevalent with 41.6% of
the children stunted. Under-weight and wasting were established at 15.7% and 3.4%, respectively. Education level
of mother/caretaker (p=0.02), age of child (p=0.03), receipt of information on child feeding (p=0.009), illness
(p=0.004) and time of introduction of other foods (p=0.031) were significantly related to child stunting. On the other
hand, household size, number of meals per day and awareness about the causes of malnutrition, were non
significantly associated with child stunting. These findings indicate that malnutrition, especially stunting, in this
cohort of children is a big problem. Poor education levels of the mothers/caretakers and poor child feeding practices
are some of the factors identified as major contributors to this problem. It is therefore recommended that appropriate
nutrition interventions, particularly equipping mothers/caretakers with knowledge and skills in child feeding, child
health, sanitation and other best practices for proper childcare, be put in place to address the problem of childhood
malnutrition in Fort Portal District and other areas in Uganda, and indeed in Sub-Saharan Africa, with similar
settings.
Keywords: Stunting, Nutritional status, Malnutrition, Caretakers, Mothers