NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN AGED 6 T0 59 MONTHS IN AN INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) CAMP AT ELDORET, KENYA.

A.V.M. Kwena

Volume : IV, Issue : II, February - 2015

NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN AGED 6 T0 59 MONTHS IN AN INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) CAMP AT ELDORET, KENYA.

A. V. M. Kwena

Abstract :

Objectives: The oad objective of the study was to determine the nutritional status of children staying in IDP camp. Materials & Methods: A Descriptive study was carried out between May and July 2008. Structured questionnaires were administered to parents or guardians with children aged 5–59 months. The sample size depended on the number of cases seen within the period of study. The parameters considered included Age (in months), Weight (Kgs) and the mid upper arm circumference (cms).The nutritional status of the children was determined using the WHO recommended Z– score values as well as the Kenya Government Ministry of health recommended charts based on anthropometric measurements . Inclusion criteria involved children aged 5 to 59 months in the study area. Analysis of nutritional data was carried out using Epi–info 2000 computer program to determine the Z– score values from anthropometric data. Results & Findings: Demography: a total of 20 children from IDP camp were sampled. Of these 12(60%) were males. The age ranged from 5 to 46 months Anthropometry: one (5%) had normal nutritional status (>1WAZ), 1(5%) had mild malnutrition (<–1WAZ), 3(15%) had moderate malnutrition (<–2WAZ), while 14(70%)had severe malnutrition (<–3WAZ). Clinical malnutrition: Twelve(60%) of the children had Kwashiorkor, 2(10%) had marasmus. None had Marasmic /Kwashiorkor. Conclusion: The rate of kwashiorkor and marasmus was higher than the national rate.