Abstract:
Objective: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition among under five-
year-old children attending the maternal child health clinic (MCH) at Busia
county referral hospital.
Study Design: A retrospective study
Study Setting: Busia County Referral Hospital in Busia County, western Kenya
Study Subjects/Participants: All children under five years attending the
maternal child health clinic in BCRH from 1st June to 1st august 2018.
Results: Majority of the children were of good nutritional status 65%, followed
by those who have mild acute malnutrition 23% and finally marasmus and
kwashiorkor at 9.35% and 1.1% respectively. The most affected gender was
females at 53.4%. Age group 6-23months was the majority at 79% followed by
0-5months at 11.04% and finally 24-59months at 9.9%. 84% had a MUAC
reading that was normal and indicated normal nutritional status while just
11% had a MUAC reading that indicated risk for acute malnutrition and 5%
had MUAC reading that indicated poor nutrition.
Conclusion: Majority of the children are of good nutritional status. The
challenge is that those of poor nutritional status are significant as the
prevalence is at 35%. The recommendation is that the county government
should set aside enough funds to oversee countywide campaigns on nutrition,
targeting specific cohorts within the community
