Abstract

This study was done to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices of care givers of malnourished children less than five years in Ishaka Adventist Hospital, Uganda. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that targeted care givers of malnourished children below five years. Forty two care givers (using fishers’ method) were sampled using simple random technique and basing on the inclusion and exclusion criteria stated therein. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaires and data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.1 and was also assisted by excel in drawing charts and figures. During data collection, absolute ethical considerations were followed. 100% response rate was achieved, and the results showed that the majority of participants 20 (48%) were aged 18-24 years and 83% were females and majority of care takers were peasants 37(88%) and surprisingly 30(74%) had never completed primary level. 71% of respondents defined malnutrition as when the child is having a big head and a swollen stomach and a majority 26(62%) mentioned poor hygiene, un safe water, diseases and infection were the causes of malnutrition, good enough majority of them had knowledge on signs of malnutrition, care takers had a mixed attitude about malnutrition and some attributed it to bad lack in the family and majority of the mothers were breast feeding their children. In conclusion, participants had good knowledge and the care takers also had good attitude towards different feeding habits and it was recommended that outreach programs targeting care takers should be emphasized