Factors Associated With The Prevalence Of Under-Nutrition In Pre-School Children In Matisi Peri-Urban Location, Trans-Nzoia District, Kenya

Under-nutrition is a serious problem facing pre-schoolers worldwide and especially in developing countries. Peri- urban populations are normally characterized by difficult socio- economic situations which are likely to have direct or indirect implications on the health of pre-scholars hence may contribute to the prevalence of under-nutrition. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of under-nutrition of pre-schoolers and the associated risk factors. The study used a cross-sectional survey of pre-scholars from Matisi peri-urban location, Trans- Nzoia district. Children’s anthropometric measurements including body weight, height, and MUAC were taken. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to gather socio- demographic and environmental factors of the pre-scholars. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Chi square test and logistic regression were used to find associations between factors and under-nutrition. Epi- Info version 3.5.1 was used to analyze anthropometric data which generated z scores (SD). Results were considered significant at 5% ?-level. The results obtained were;- the mean age (in months) was 38±10.7. Majority (95.2%) of the children were immunized. Prevalence of Under-nutrition (stunting, underweight and wasting) was (24%), (21.6%) and (5.3%) respectively. Children who were fed colostrums had 96.6% less chances of stunting and those who had completed immunization had 83.3% less likely to be stunted (p=0.010, OR 0.034, 95%CI 0.003–0.443: p=0.019 OR 0.167, 95% CI 0.037 – 0.747) respectively. Preschoolers who had suffered fever two weeks prior to the study (p=0.032 OR 3.660, 95% CI 1.118-11.982) were four times likely to be stunted and mothers with a high parity were twice likely to have stunted children. Complete immunization and fecal waste disposal site were associated with underweight (p= 0.028 OR 0.205 95% CI 0.05-0.844 and p=0.002 OR 3.7 95% CI 1.601-8.911) respectively. We therefore conclude the most prevalent forms of under-nutrition were stunting and underweight. The government and partners should put emphasis on the importance of complete immunization, proper disposal of fecal waste, proper child feeding methods. There is also need for slum upgrading projects and residents should be assisted to start Income Generating Activities to raise their living standards. Key words: Peri-urban, pre-school, Prevalence, Under-nutritio