Abstract:
Child malnutrition remains a serious public health problem in Kwale District of
Kenya. Data on the levels and patterns of malnutrition and on the factors perpetuating
poor nutritional status in the District is lacking, making it extremely difficult to plan
appropriate interventions to help reduce the levels of child malnutrition in Kwale
District. A total of 300 households and 300 children aged 12-23 months were
surveyed in four locations in the Samburu and Kinango Divisions of Kwale District.
Anthropometric methods and structured questionnaires were used to determine the
nutritional status of the children. The relative importance of demographic and socio-
economic factors, as well as prevailing child health and nutrition practices on the
growth and survival of children in the District were also determined. Measuring
nutritional status by height-for-age and weight-for-age demonstrated a very high
percentage of malnourished children. About 34% of children in the study area were
underweight, and 51% stunted. Of the demographic variables studied, child’s age and
sex were significant predictors of nutritional status. Boys had worse nutritional status
than girls. Age group 20-23 months was found to be the most vulnerable. The
household and socio-economic variables strongly associated (p<0.05) with one or
more anthropometric deficits were: geographic location; household size; occupation
and education level of mothers; and sex, religion and occupation of household heads.
Nutritional status of children was also found to be significantly associated with
immunization and breastfeeding status. The links with breastfeeding practice was
however confounded by age of child. Breast-feeding rate was very high in the area,
but the introduction of complementary foods starts much too early. Only 5% of the
study children were exclusively breastfed up to the age of 6 months. Demographic
and socio-economic factors and improper feeding practices were some of the
underlying causes of the poor nutritional status of Kwale children. A range of specific
interventions are thus necessary for improving the nutrition and health of children in
the area.
