Abstract

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors causing undernutrition among
children under five years old at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional
descriptive study was conducted using quantitative and qualitative methods, focusing on
children aged 3 to 59 months. Nutrition levels were determined using anthropometric
measurements using US National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference standards.
The study involved systematic random sampling and data collection through
questionnaires. Children with z-scores below -2 SD were considered undernourished.
Stunting, wasting, and underweight were found to be 15%, 4%, and 8% respectively. The
major determinants of nutrition among children under five years at the hospital were the
child's age, birth interval, breastfeeding, maternal age, maternal education level, and
maternal occupation. These factors directly or indirectly affected the child's nutrition
status. The researcher recommends prioritizing health education for mothers about
nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding, and family planning, and encouraging girl child education by the government. This research highlights the importance of addressing nutrition-related issues in children under five years old.