Food security and nutritional outcomes among urban poor orphans in Nairobi, Kenya

The study aims to inform policies and practice targeted at improving the welfare of orphans living in urban poor communities. The relationship between orphanhood and nutritional status remains unclear, suggesting further context specific studies. The study was conducted between January and June 2007 among orphans and non-orphans aged 6-14 years, living in informal settlements of Nairobi, Kenya. Anthropometric measurements: weight and height were taken using standard procedures and z-scores generated using the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)/WHO reference. Data on food security was collected through interviews with children and their caregivers separately. A composite food security measure was derived from the caregiver and child responses. Comparisons with regard to food security and nutritional outcomes were made between orphans and non-orphans and among orphan types. Multiple regression analysis was done to determine factors related to vulnerability with regards to food security and nutritional outcomes. Orphans were more vulnerable than non-orphans to issues of food security, but not nutritional status, with paternal orphans being the most vulnerable orphan group. Other factors associated with vulnerability were age, sex and ethnicity of the child; relationship of child to the household head; age, sex and education level of the household head; household socio-economic status; number of dependants; and location of residence and household head’s education. The differential effects of these factors suggest targeted interventions