Publications

Undernutrition was one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity among under-five children in Sub-SaharanAfrica. To understand the determinants of undernutrition among under-five children, this study was conducted atHoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH) in Hoima City. The source of data was household demographic andsocio-economic characteristics which included anthropometric data on under-five children at HRRH.Anthropometric data included height, weight and MUAC for the different ages of the children. Data analysis wasdone in the Epi Info program module and Stata statistical software. Multivariate analysis was done by fitting abinary logistic regression model to establish the underlying determinants of undernutrition among under-fivechildren. It was found that children aged 39-59 months were less likely to be underweight than those aged less thantwelve months. Findings also revealed that stunting was more prevalent among children of peasant farmers thanthe pastoralists. There was however no significant relationship between child wasting and selected childcharacteristics. It was worth noting that the study was essential in pointing out the particular age groups amongunder-five children as well as the occupations that contribute to undernutrition in Hoima City. Based on the findings,the study recommends exclusive breastfeeding and proper complementary feeding, especially among those aged lessthan three years. Special arrangements could also be put in place to have children of mothers engaged in cultivationbrought regularly for breastfeeding.Keywords: Undernutrition, Anthropometric, Breastfeeding, Underweight.