Browsing by Author "Nyirenda, Patrick"

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    Factors associated with stunting among children aged 6-59 months in rural Malawi: A community based comparative cross-sectional study
    (Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2022-06-15) Nyirenda, Patrick
    Type and place of research study The study will be a quantitative type of research study which will use face-to-face interview with primary caregivers of under-five children using a structured paper-based questionnaire in intervention (Kasinje and Sharpevalley catchment areas) and non-intervention (Bwanje catchment area) catchment areas in Ntcheu district. Problem Stunting level in Ntcheu is greater than the national prevalence and doubles that of the recommended WHO standard. High stunting levels in children result in irreversible brain damage, hindering them from reaching their full developmental potential, increasing the risk of developing chronic diseases in adulthood, lower attained schooling and a reduced adult income, and increasing mortality risk. Objectives The study’s primary objective will assess factors associated with the high prevalence of stunting among under-five children in the Ntcheu district. Precisely, the study will determine the level of knowledge of caregivers on infant and child feeding practice; determine the proportion of caregivers with household food security; evaluate the accessibility to nutrition-related health-seeking behaviour; assess the feeding method of under-five children. Methodology Study design: The study will be a community-based comparative quantitative cross-sectional study. Study setting: It will be conducted in Bwanje Area Programme (AP), Kasinje and Sharpe valley catchment areas (Nutrition intervention area) and Bwanje health Centre catchment area (comparison area) in Ntcheu district. Study population: Caregiver/ mother- under-five child pairs will be involved in the study, Sample size: 374 caregiver-child pairs will be selected for the study, with 111 pairs for the intervention group and 263 pairs for the control group. Three GVHs will be randomly selected from both areas, and purposive sampling will be used to determine households with caregivers and under-five child pairs. Data collection technique: Data will be collected from caregivers through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. While under-five children, anthropometric measurements will be taken and measured. Data management and analysis: Data will therefore be coded, entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. The association between independent factors and the dependent variable, prevalence of stunting, will be analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Expected findings The study anticipates finding poor child feeding practices, poor health-seeking behaviors of caregivers/ mothers and household food insecurity as factors associated with stunting predominantly in comparison area than in nutrition counselling intervention. This will help relevant stakeholders to come up with policies for reducing stunting. Dissemination Results will be disseminated to The College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee (COMREC), College of Medicine Library Ntcheu District Hospital Research and Ethics Committee and implementing partner, World Vision International, for decision making. The research findings will be disseminated through holding dissemination seminar/workshop and publication of a manuscript. Formatted: Font color: Red 15