No abstract

This study conducted in Uganda assessed the nutritional status of young children and their disease history in the 3-month period before the study. Two groups of children were randomly selected: the first group consisted of 105 children living in homes where a family member fell sick of AIDS, whereas the second group consisted of 100 children who were living in homes where nobody was affected by AIDS. Acute malnutrition (wasting) was rare. There was no difference in the severity of stunting in the two groups (Z scores, -2.1 versus -2.2, P = 0.70). In those children living in AIDS-affected homes, disease episodes were longer (15.7 versus 11.3 days, P = 0.014), but the frequency of disease occurrence was similar in both groups. Fifty-five percent of all children suffered from moderate to severe malnutrition (stunting). The high stunting rate in early childhood suggests a public nutritional intervention program is recommended.

There is limited literature describing the methodological and pragmatic considerations that arise when conducting participatory action research utilizing Photovoice with children, particularly within sub-Saharan Africa. We provide a case example of these considerations based on a qualitative exploratory design that was conducted in June 2010 with 13 children between the ages of 12 and 18 years who were orphaned and living with HIV in a group home setting in Western Uganda. The main purpose of this study was to explore the children's experiences while including them in a participatory way utilizing Photovoice to share their stories, define their issues, and propose their own solutions. Conducting research in another country where language and culture are different from the researchers' can pose many unique methodological, epistemological, and ethical challenges. These issues are discussed by reflecting on the process of the study. Key lessons will also be discussed regarding the methodological and pragmatic considerations with the aim of providing new insights for researchers who want to conduct research in a cross-cultural and multilingual setting.

Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to compare the nutritional status and food consumption patterns of children under five years. Design: Quantitative, exploratory, cross sectional study. Setting: Kabarole district, western Uganda. Kabarole district is a rural district with subsistence farming as the main income. Subjects: Two hundred and five children between 12 and 72 months of age living in AIDS affected homes versus children living in non-AIDS affected homes were examined. Results: Fifty-five percent of all children were stunted and 20.5% were underweight. There was no difference in the prevalence of malnutrition between children living in AIDS affected homes versus non-AIDS affected homes. Only children between 12-35 months suffered from a daily deficit in caloric intake. The older children consumed the basic recommended daily intake (RDI) for protein, fat, iron and vitamin A. Due to frequent disease episodes and limitations in the estimations of individual total energy expenditure, the results are likely underestimations of the children's true nutritional requirements. The type of foods given to children in AIDS affected homes and controls were quite similar. Conclusion: Young children in Kabarole district suffer from severe chronic malnutrition rates, but rates and feeding patterns are not different in AIDS affected versus non AIDS affected homes.