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Nutritional status and morbidity among HIV/AIDS-affected children aged 6-9 years in Suba district, Kenya
| Content Provider | Semantic Scholar |
|---|---|
| Author | Were, Gertrude Mercy Omo, Ohiokpehai Kimiywe, Judith Mbagaya, Grace M. Okeyo-Owuor, J. B. Kamau, Joyce Mbithe, Dorcus |
| Copyright Year | 2008 |
| Abstract | The HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to claim lives and render many children orphans. More than 3 million people died from AIDS including half a million children. In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that 12 million children have been orphaned by HIV and this number is set to increase. HIV/ AIDS orphaned children suffer malnutrition which adversely affects their health. Objective of this study was to establish the magnitude of underweight, stunting and wasting as indicators of malnutrition among HIV/AIDS-affected school children aged 6-9 years in Suba district. A crosssectional research design was used and setting included Lambwe, Sindo and Ong’ayo primary schools in Suba district. A total of 150 children were sampled from HIV/AIDS-affected households. Anthropometric measurements and guided questionnaires were the main tools of data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS and the Nutri-survey computer software programs. Of the children 8.8% were underweight, 13.3% stunted and 7.6% wasted. Cereals formed the main part of the childrens’ diet, fish was the most consumed protein and vegetable and fruit consumption was low. Total kilocalories taken were 41% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance. The most reported illnesses which were also confirmed by the doctor’s clinical assessment were malaria (16%), upper respiratory infections (6.1%) and skin infections (8.0%). Primary education was completed by 67.4% of mothers, while only 1.2% had post secondary education. The average monthly maternal income was Ksh 1,550 ($ 24.2). Food security was reported to be low as 64.6% of the households purchased food three months after harvest. HIV/AIDS-affected children suffered underweight, stunting and wasting with morbidity, poverty, low educational and occupational status of the parents/guardians cited as probable determinants. Interventions should therefore focus on improved agricultural production, innovative poverty alleviation methods and education. |
| File Format | PDF HTM / HTML |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/123456789/5574/Nutritional%20status%20and%20morbidity%20among%20HIV%20AIDS-affected%20children.pdf?isAllowed=y&sequence=4 |
| Language | English |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
