PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITION'S AMONG CHILDREN UNDER-FIVE YEARS AT EL-OBEID SPECIALIZED PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL, NORTH KORDOFAN, SUDAN (2021 TO 2023 (original) (raw)

Background: Malnutrition is still an important problem among children under-five years in El Obeid city, and it is remain one of the commonest causes of morbidity and mortality among children. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of malnutr ition’s among children under 5 years at El -Obeid Specialized Pediatric Hospital, North Kordofan, Sudan, from April 2021 to October 2023. Methodology: An institutional cross-sectional descriptive analytical study, included 384 of under -five children aged 6-59 months who were selected using simple random sampling technique was implemented. Data collection was focused on anthropometric tests (MUAC) for children and using structured questionnaire for mothers of children. Data were entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 and chi -square test. Result: The results indicated that (38.8%) of children had suffered from malnutrition, (22.1% of them were females). (19.3%) of mothers were illiterate. Majority of malnourish ed children 98 (25.5%) eat two meals per day. There is statistical significant correlation between the mother’s educational levels, number of meals eaten by child per day, exclusive breastfeeding and malnutrition statuses (p -value= 0.000), (p-value = 0.000) and (p-value = 0.008), respectively. Conclusion: There is high prevalence rate of malnutrition among children under 5 years in El -Obeid City. The study recommended that: raising awareness of mothers about importance of breast feeding for infant to improv e nutritional status of their children, encourage complementary feeding and begin it in right age according to WHO recommendations and better maternal education are needed. KEYWORDS: Malnutrion, breast feeding, children under- five, MUAC, North Kordofan- Sudan

Sign up for access to the world's latest research.

checkGet notified about relevant papers

checkSave papers to use in your research

checkJoin the discussion with peers

checkTrack your impact