Abstract

Malnutrition is a condition characterized by a deficiency, excess, or imbalance in a person's intake of energy
and/or nutrients, necessary for ensuring growth and maintaining specific bodily functions. It encompasses both
over-nutrition (as seen in obesity) and under-nutrition, which includes wasting, stunting, underweight conditions,
and micronutrient deficiencies. Child malnutrition served as a crucial indicator for monitoring progress toward
achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among
children in Kashenyi Parish, involving a total of 100 participants. In this study, it was found that the prevalence of
malnutrition among children aged two years and below in Kashenyi Parish, Bushenyi District, was 20%. Several
factors were identified as statistically significant contributors to malnutrition in children under the age of two,
including the child's age, gender, birth order, mother's age, mother's occupation, parents' religion, mother's
education level, mother's marital status, breastfeeding practices, occurrences of infections, and immunization
status. The researchers recommend implementing educational programs for mothers focused on improving their
knowledge and practices related to infant nutrition. Such initiatives can play a vital role in controlling
malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable infants. It is crucial that these efforts are carried out under robust
monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure their effectiveness.