Caregivers' perceptions of factors influencing undernutrition among under five in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Autor: Matee N; School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania., Ageru TA; Wolaita Sodo University, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, P.Box 138, Sodo, Ethiopia.; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia., Mangi E; School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania., Nguyen HT; Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho, Vietnam.; Hanoi, Vietnam., Walugembe F; The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology Arusha Tanzania and Ifakara Health Institute, Arusha, Tanzania. walugembef@gmail.com.; Arusha, Tanzania. walugembef@gmail.com.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: BMC pediatrics [BMC Pediatr] 2024 Dec 18; Vol. 24 (1), pp. 808. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Dec 18.
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-05239-3
Abstrakt: Background: Undernutrition in children is predominantly linked to lack of a balanced diet resulting from inadequate nutrition intake. This form of malnutrition remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality under-five children, especially prevalent in low-income countries. Understanding the specific factors contributing to undernutrition among this group, particularly those associated with caregivers, is vital yet insufficiently explored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate and evaluate caregivers' perceptions regarding the factors influencing under-nutrition among children under-five in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted at Sinza Palestina Hospital in Ubungo Municipal Council, Dar es Salaam, from January 2019 to December 2019. In-depth interviews were carried out with caregivers of undernourished children to explore their thoughts, perceptions, and views on the factors contributing to under-nutrition among this demographic. A semi-structured interview guide facilitated data collection, allowing for comprehensive exploration. Recorded data underwent transcription. And thematic content analysis was utilized to identify caregivers' perceptions and views, highlighting codes and subcategories that represented factors influencing under-nutrition. A total of 26 participants were purposefully selected among caregivers who provided consent during the study period was included.
Results: The study revealed several primary factors contributing to under-nutrition among under-five children. Among these, poor adherences to WHO recommended feeding practices by caregivers, exacerbated by poverty resulting from low monthly income. This economic limitation impeded families' ability to provide essential nutritious foods for their children. Additionally, limited time available for childcare emerged as main factors contributed to under-nutrition. Notably, while caregivers exhibited a good understanding of malnutrition and its causes, their perceptions did not align with WHO definition of under-nutrition.
Conclusion: Addressing nutrition among under five children necessitates comprehensive support for caregivers, including economic empowerment and education on WHO-recommended feeding practices. Encouraging adherence to these practices is vital. Additionally, care givers should allocate sufficient time for breastfeeding and preparing complementary food for their children.
Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Ethical approval was obtained from the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences ethical review committee with the reference number (Ref.No.HD/MUH/T.543/2017). Permissions were acquired from all appropriate authorities starting from the Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), and District Executive Director (DED) for Ubungo. Also, permission was requested by the District Medical Officer in charge, who recommended permission to hospital authorities to participate in data collected. Written consent was obtained from each caregiver who participated in the study. Voluntary participation was encouraged, and the participants were assured of confidentiality. Privacy and confidentiality were highly maintained by avoiding unauthorized people from accessing study information. Anonymity was maintained by using the participant’s identity and no name of the participants was recorded during the interview. Prior to consenting, details including purpose of the study and associated benefits were clearly explained to the study participants. All audio interviews and transcripts were saved in a password-protected computer to avoid access from unauthorized personnel. Participants were assured that there was no possibility of harm due to their participation in this study, including any impact on the care they received at the hospital. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
(© 2024. The Author(s).)
Databáze: MEDLINE
Externí odkaz: