Factors Influencing Nutritional Status of Children below 24 Months in Njombe Region, Tanzania

Abstract

Introduction: The burden of malnutrition remains high across the world and young children are among the most affected group. Tanzania is among the countries with very high levels of malnutrition (≥30%) and Njombe is among the regions with high prevalence (53.6%) exceeding the national average. Objective: To determine factors influencing nutritional status of children aged below 24 months in Njombe region. Methods: A cross sectional study employing both quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted involving children aged 6 to 23 months. Respondents were a random sample of mothers with children in specified age range. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on socio-demographic and feeding practices; anthropometric data were collected through measurements. Under-nutrition was based on Z-scores indices below −2SD of the reference population. Bivariate and multivariate log-binomial regression model were used to determine the association between nutritional status and independent variables. Qualitative data were obtained through focused group discussion and in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically. Results: Forty one percent of the assessed children were under-nourished, (40%) were stunted, underweight (1.2%), and wasted (3.5%). Under nutrition was associated with sex of a child where female had lower risk (aRR=0.80,95%CI:1.06,2.00),age group, where those aged 18-23Months had higher risk (aRR=1.42,95% CI:1.04,1.93), birth weight with those with low birth weight being more likely to be undernourished (aRR=1.55,95% CI:1.22,1.97) and marital status with widowed/divorced mothers being more likely (aRR=1.46,95% CI:1.13,2.01) to have undernourished children. Moreover, children who were not breast feeding had higher risk (aRR=1.55, 95%CI: 1.03, 1.40) and fathers higher education (aRR=0.46, 95% CI 0.31, 0.68) was associated with reduced risk of under nutrition. Multiple responsibilities, lack of male partners‟ support, and big family to take care for were reported as reasons hindering effective breast feeding up to 24 months of age. Conclusion and recommendations: This study confirms that malnutrition is still a problem in Njombe region. Health education with emphasis on the importance of breastfeeding and male participation in care of the children should be done.