Abstract

Malnutrition is defined as the deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person’s intake of nutrients. Malnutrition has
caused adverse effects on the population including; diminished immunity making them susceptible to many infections
which are detrimental to their lives and brain retardation affecting their studies and memory, low birth weight which
is likely to cause death and those that survive are likely to succumb to growth retardation. Despite several
interventions, malnutrition still persists. Thus, this study sought to find out the prevalence of undernutrition and
its associated co-morbidities amongst under-fives admitted in the paediatric ward nutritional unit in Fort Portal
Regional Referral Hospital (FRRH). This cross-sectional study was carried out in FRRH in October after receiving
Approval. Mothers were interviewed their case files were also reviewed. The data was collected with the
consideration of privacy and confidentiality which was implemented by omitting the names and no video or audio
recording. Descriptive analysis was used to compare demographic factors of children and their mothers, odd ratios
were used to analyse the associated co-morbidities. The information was then presented in tables, figures and charts.
A total of 372 children were enrolled in the study, 34.9% were males and 65.1% female, 25 – 36 months was the
largest age group with 40.05%, children with > 5 siblings were the most affected with 43.5%, children whose
caregivers were 25- 29 years were most affected with 34.7%, children in rural areas were highest with 72.3%, children
whose parents were married were highest with 83.3%. The prevalence of under nourished was 19.6% prevalence of
children of peasants was highest at 79.8%, and most were brought in by their mothers at 87.9%. Under five acute
diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection were co-morbidities that should be prevented. Therefore, hospitals should
work in collaboration with health extension workers to prevent co-morbidities and strengthen screening and referral
of malnutrition cases at the community level. Moreover, FPRRH and District Health Offices should facilitate
experience sharing among health facilities