Thesis:

Determinant of nutrition status among children aged 6-59 months seeking care at save the children health center in Kismayu, Somalia

One of the duties listed in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2.2 is the eradication of all forms of malnutrition. Somalia was one of the three worst-ranked countries out of 188 countries using the 37 indicators of health included in the SDGs. This is directly causing the government and other partners in development to try to prioritize the healthcare industry. Although malnutrition is a preventable disease, it is a contributor to the high number of illnesses among children admitted to hospitals. Examining the factors influencing the status of nutrition of 6-59-month-old Somalian children was the aim of this study, which was conducted with particular reference to the Save the Children Health Centers in Kismayo, Lower Juba. The age range was chosen to take into consideration the fact that extra feedings begin at six months of age, which is a critical period when children are most susceptible to malnutrition. The main goals of the investigation were to determine the clinical factors influencing the nutrition status of Somali babies aged 6-59 months, to evaluate the sociodemographic influence on the nutrition status of these children, and to evaluate the socioeconomic factors impacting the nutrition status of these children aged 6 months to 59 months. A mixed methodology was used in the investigation. The research investigation was conducted at the Save the Children-run Kismayo health centers in Somalia. Purposive, methodical, and simple random sampling techniques were used to choose subjects for this investigation. The size of the sample was determined using the Fischers formula, and 292 was selected as the value. Structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data. The goals of the investigation were taken into consideration when creating the questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using the statistical tools Version 27. The correlation between the independent and dependent variables was examined using bivariate analysis. In bivariate analysis, the Chi-square independence test was used. Binary logistic regression was utilized to build a logistic regression model. P-values of 0.05 or less will also be considered statistically significant. Tables were used to display the data. Qualitative data was analyzed using the thematic analysis method. According to this study, over half of the participants (60.6%) had a normal nutritional status, while over a quarter (39.5%) suffered from malnutrition. The likelihood of having a normal nutrition status was enhanced by exclusive breastfeeding, having a child born weighing more than 2.5 kg, earning more than the poverty line, and living in a home with 1-3 family members. Lack of seeking ANC services, the absence of a safe water source, being male, and children aged 6-17 months reduced the odds of having a normal nutrition status. The Ministry of Health plus relevant stakeholders should integrate various mechanisms meant to prevent malnutrition and promote good nutrition status among children aged 6-59 months.