Effect Of Childcare Practices On The Nutritional Status Of Children Aged 6-24 Months In Morogoro Urban And Kilosa Districts

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of childcare practices on the

nutritional status of children aged 6-24 months in Kilosa and Morogoro Urban

districts. A sample of 300 mother-child pairs was randomly selected and interviewed

using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the

Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The study revealed that,

some of the socio-economic characteristics such as marital status, family size,

education of the mothers, source of income, sex and age of the child had a positive

effect on the nutritional status of the children. About 76.1% (n=285) of the children

were currently breastfeeding. Majority of mothers (75%) started breastfeeding

immediately after delivery i.e. first hour post delivery. The prevalence of exclusive

breastfeeding was 24.4%, however the frequency of feeding of the children was

lower than the recommended 5 times/day. There was high immunization coverage

(98%) and growth monitoring visits. The study also revealed that, most of the

mothers (98%) delivered their babies in health facilities and were assisted by trained

medical personnel during delivery. In addition, the diseases which were associated

with unhygienic conditions namely diarrohea (35.3%), running nose (37.9%), cough

(38.2%) and vomiting (16.8%) affected many children compared to malaria (4.6%)

and fever (40.4%). Poor nutritional status was more prevalent among the children

aged 19-24 months. Prevalence of stunting in Morogoro urban and Kilosa districts

were 15 and 18% respectively, however the prevalence of underweight was slightly

lower in Morogoro urban (14.5%) than Kilosa district (14.9%). The study also

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revealed that, nutrition education intervention for the mothers improved significantly

their child-care practices related to breastfeeding, feeding frequency, personal

hygiene and hygiene of the general environment. It was concluded out of the study

that, mothers should be educated and encouraged to start the antenatal clinic early (1

month) and whenever possible, they should start the pre-natal clinic before

conception. This will help in advising them on appropriate care practices during

gestation e.g. appropriate weight gain based on pre-conception BMI