Factors associated with relapse of severe acute malnutrition among children aged under five years in Uganda

Abstract

The study sought to investigate factors associated with relapse of severe acute malnutrition among children aged under five years in Uganda. The study used descriptive – correlation design. Document analysis, interview guides and questionnaires were used as research instruments. It was found out that with regard to the relationship between socio-economic, demographic factors and relapse of severe acute malnutrition of children, sex of guardian/parent,  with unadjusted odds COR = 3.28(1.588 – 6.450)  and adjusted odds AOR = 3.40(1.23 – 5.68); education level of parents/guardian with unadjusted odds COR = 3.197(0.282 – 1.298) and adjusted odds AOR = 2.73(1.31 – 4.66); number of meals with the unadjusted odds COR = 8.32(1.324 – 13.801) and adjusted odds AOR = 5.26(1.351 – 6.44) were significant predictors of the children relapse with severe acute malnutrition. Thus, the null hypothesis was rejected and the alternative one was accepted with regards to age, sex, solid food, and source of protein. It was recommended that nutrition units be established in all health centre III and follow up programs.