Healthcare Providers and Caregivers’ Perspectives on Factors Underlying the Persistent Malnutrition of Children Aged 0-59 Months in Buhweju District, Southwestern Uganda

Abstract

Background Nutritional well-being is fundamental to the attainment of the full social, economic, mental and physical potential of individuals, communities and populations. The nutritional well-being of infants and young children is positively and negatively affected by economic, environmental and maternal factors that range from food intake, health, sanitation and care. Several initiatives such as growth monitoring, vitamin A distribution, deworming programs have been undertaken to reduce the impact of nutritional deficiency and promotion of health of children under five years in Uganda. All regions of Uganda have registered unacceptably high levels of childhood malnutrition over the years, although with an uneven distribution across regions. Western Uganda has persistently registered the highest levels of malnutrition with Buhweju district having the highest levels above the national average. This study assessed health provider and caregiver perspectives on factors responsible for persistent malnutrition among children aged 0-59 months in Engaju and Nyakishana sub counties in Buhweju district.Methods Focus group discussions and key informant interviews with Village Health Team members and care takers of children aged 0-59 months in Engaju and Nyakishana sub-counties and healthcare providers in Buhweju district were conducted respectively to explore their perceptives on the factors responsible for persistent malnutrition in Buhweju District in May 2018.Results Inadequate childcare services, poverty and economic occupation, parental alcoholism and domestic violence as well as historic and geographic challenges were identified as factors responsible for persistent malnutrition among children aged 0-59 months in Engaju and Nyakishana sub counties in Buhweju district Conclusion Several factors are responsible for persistent malnutrition of children aged 0-59 months in Buhweju. Some can be readily addressed and should lead to improvement in the nutrition status of children in Buhweju district.