KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES ASSOCIATED WITH MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE AT RUKUNYU HOSPITAL, KAMWENGE DISTRICT. A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Introduction: 

The main objective was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of caretakers on malnutrition among children less than 5 years at Rukunyu Hospital, Kamwenge district.

The specific objectives were to assess the knowledge of caretakers, to determine the attitudes of caretakers, and to identify the practices of caretakers towards malnutrition among children below five years at Rukunyu Hospital, Kamwenge district.

Methodology: 

A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used, using a quantitative approach at Rukunyu Hospital Kamwenge district. The researcher conveniently sampled on 86 respondents from 25th June 2023 to 27th July 2023. Data collection was done by using self-administered questionnaires.

Results: 

Out of the 86 respondents. The majority; 59(69%) knew the importance and nutritious effects of first thick milk. The majority; 74(86%) agreed that a balanced diet was important in preventing malnutrition. The majority; 80(93%) indicated that they did not have enough time to attend to their children. majority 42% of the caretakers initiated their babies on breast milk within 1 hour after delivery.

Conclusion: 

The study showed that despite the caretakers knowing initiation of breastfeeding after delivery within one hour, a number of them did not adhere to the attitudes and this was affiliated to the limited resources to do so.

Recommendation:

There is a need for the caretakers to adhere to the practices and knowledge acquired to affect results concerning the improvement of the nutrition status of children. The health care providers should educate the public on other practices that reduce on malnutrition like exclusive breastfeeding, and should be advised on how and when to introduce supplementary feeds during the growth cycle of the children.