Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Guardians on Nutritional Status of Children with Visceral Leishmaniasis attending Kacheliba Sub-County Hospital, West Pokot County, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) causes considerable morbidity and mortality in Kenya. However, data on the knowledge, attitude and practices of guardians on nutritional status of children aged 5-12 years with VL attending Kacheliba Sub County Hospital is nonexistent. This study sought to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of guardians on nutritional status of children with VL, in West Pokot County.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed involving both quantitative and qualitative approaches of data collection. Two hundred and three children aged 5-12 years with VL were enrolled in the study. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to the guardians of the children with VL. The respondents were requested to give information on the socio-demographics, cultural related  characteristics, their knowledge, attitude and practices. A Systematic random sampling technique was used for this study. Data was analyzed using chi-square to test the association between the variables. Odds ratio  regression was used to test the multivariate relationships between various independent and dependent variables.
Results: The results of the study established that the independent variable; knowledge, attitude and practices of the guardians of the children influenced prevalence of malnutrition among the children.
Conclusion: The study concluded that Parents shape the development of children's eating behaviors, not only by the foods they make accessible to children, but also by their own eating styles, behavior at meal times, and child-feeding practices.