Abstract:
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is one of the leading causes of morbidity and
mortality in children under the age of five years in developing countries.
OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to study the magnitude and risk factors of
malnutrition among less than five years children in Angola area in Umbada
Locality, Khartoum state.
MATERIAL &METHODS:
A cross-sectional prevalence study was undertaken in Angola area in Umbada
Locality. About 282 mothers and children under five yrs were selected by a
systematic random sampling for six clusters in each cluster a number of 47 subject
s were selected. Children under five years ages were carefully assessed and their
weights and heights taken. A questionnaire was filled by mothers. Data were
collected about socio-demographic variables and possible risk factors associated
with malnutrition in addition to observation check list regarding sanitation, waste
collection and disposal, water sources and houses health environment and methods
of keeping food. Children were classified into normal, mild, moderate and severe
degrees of malnutrition according to the three approaches (height, weight and age).
Data was analyzed through SPSS program.
RESULTS:
The total prevalence of malnutrition was 24.4%. Female children were more
affected by malnutrition than were male children. The study observed that age,
mother’s education and father’s education were found to be important factors in
prevalence. The cases found were classified into 19.1% severe malnutrition, 4.6%
moderate and 0.7% mild malnutrition while 75.5% were found normal. Children
were weaned earlier mostly during one and half year. Most of mothers who were
working had breastfeed their Childs after and before work. Local food was the
commonest supplement. There was a high prevalence of infectious diseases amongIV
children in the area, especially diarrheas, and respiratory tract infections, malaria
and measles. Wrong concepts were common among mothers about visits for MCH
centers; they thought there was no need.
Conclusion & recommendations: Malnutrition was prevalent among children under
five years in Angola area. Health and nutrition education, as well as training of
health workers are strongly recommended
