Volume : 3, Issue : 2, February - 2014

COMPARISON OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN AGED 5 T0 59 MONTHS IN COMMUNITY BASED EDUCATION AND SERVICE (COBES)–AMPATH AND NON AMPATH CENTRES

A. M. Kwena, J. B. Baliddawa, K. Taylor, Mary Ann Mcdowell, S. Mining

Abstract :

Objective: The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence and possible causes of malnutrition in children aged 5 to 59 months in selected COBES health centres and compare this with prevalence in non-AMPATH COBES centres Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional studies were carried out between March and May 2008 to Feuary and March 2011 in 13 to 15 COBES centres in Western Kenya. Cluster sampling technique was used with each health centre as the sampling unit. Anthropometric measurements were performed on all children aged 5-59 months within the households sampled. The sample size depended on the number of cases seen in the households within the period of study. The parameters considered included Age (in months), Weight (Kgs) and the mid upper arm circumference (cms). The nutritional status of the children was determined using the WHO recommended Z- score values as well as the Kenya Government Ministry of health recommended charts based on anthropometric measurements . Analysis of nutritional data was carried out using Epi-info 2000 computer program to determine the Z- score values from anthropometric data. Results: A total of approximately 700 children were measured for anthropometry in the seven Health Centers: (Stunting- HAZ<-2, Wasting-WHZ <-2, underweight –WAZ<-2 and MUAC, < 12.5mm). Preliminary published results indicated that Meteitei (non-AMPATH) had the highest malnutrition prevalence (53% HAZ, 15% WHZ, 27% WAZ and 18.1 MUAC) whereas Chulaimbo (AMPATH) showed the lowest prevalence (7% HAZ, 3% WAZ ). The other centres showed mixed prevalence. Conclusion: AMPATH centres showed improved nutrition status compared to other COBES centres.