Prevalence of malnutrition among under-five children in Njala University Hospital in Kori Chiefdom of Moyamba District, Southern Sierra Leone

Abstract

Background: Childhood acute malnutrition is a form of wasting described by a severe weight loss that occurs as a result of acute food shortage and illness. It is a grave public health problem which requires urgent attention in developing countries.

Objective: the study is aimed at investigating the prevalence of malnutrition among underfive children in Njala-Mokonde Communities in Kori Chiefdom of Moyamba District, Southern Sierra Leone.

Methodology: the study was done using Semi-structured questionnaire.

Results: the prevalence of 20, 28 and 19% for stunting, wasting and underweighting respectively was observed. Prevalence of stunting was higher among males (57.5%) than females (42.5%). Highest prevalence of stunting (35.0%) occurred among children in age group 25-36 months and lowest (12.0%) in children aged 37-59 months. Wasting was higher in females (58.9%) than males (41.1%) and wasting was highest in children 13-24 months (44.7%) with lowest in 37-59 months (18.0%). The study showed higher prevalence in underweight among females (63.2%) compared to males (36.8%). Prevalence of underweight was highest in childrern13-24 months (39.5%) and lowest in 37-59 months (13.2%). Most of the parents are within child bearing age. Most of them are married while others are single parents with low level of education and low wealth index. Exclusive breastfeeding is a common practice in the study area but they give their babies supplementary foods when they are just 3-4 months old earlier than WHO recommended time.

Conclusion: The study concludes that low education with wealth index, alone or in combination could hinder provision of adequate care during children growth and development. Therefore, the study recommends that policymakers to pay special attention to policies targeted at reducing under-five malnutrition.