Browsing by Author "Sawe, Caroline J."

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    Factors Associated with Stunting in Children under Age 2 in the Cambodia and Kenya 2014 Demographic and Health Surveys
    (Demography and Health surveys, 2016-08) Ettyang, Grace A. K.; Sawe, Caroline J.
    Background: This study examined the relationships between child, maternal, household, and gender inequality characteristics and child stunting in Kenya and Cambodia. Globally, an estimated 171 million children are stunted, including 167 million in low- and middle-income countries, with especially high prevalence levels in Africa and Asia. Child stunting reflects chronic undernutrition, which often begins before birth and is almost irreversible after the second year of life. Methods: The study analyzed data from the 2014 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS surveys) in Kenya and Cambodia for children under age 2. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to find associations between the variables and child stunting. Results: The prevalence of stunting among children under age 2 in Kenya was 22%, and in Cambodia, 25%. Child’s age, perceived birth size, family wealth status, and region of residence were significantly associated with stunting. In both countries children from the richest households had 0.4 times lower odds of being stunted compared with those from the poorest households. In Kenya alone, female children had 0.6 times lower odds of being stunted compared with male children. In Cambodia alone, children from rural areas had 0.6 times lower odds of being stunted compared with those from urban areas, while children whose mothers were underweight had 1.7 times higher odds of being stunted than children whose mothers were not underweight. In both countries, there was general lack of a strong and significant relationship between gender inequality and child stunting. Conclusions: Children’s characteristics were more important in predicting stunting than factors related to mothers, households, or gender. More extensive analysis of the DHS data should be done to include other aspects of gender inequality, such as decisions on choice and preparation of food and purchase of household goods.
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    Stunted Too Early: Analysis of the Cambodia and Kenya 2014 Demographic and Health Survey Data
    (World Nutrition, 2019) Ettyang, Grace A. K.; Sawe, Caroline J.; Ayiro, Laban P.
    Background Child stunting reflects chronic under-nutrition, which often begins before birth and is almost irreversible after the second year of life. Globally, by 2018, an estimated 140 million children under the age of 5 years were stunted. Over one-third each lived in South East Asia (34.4%) and Eastern and South Africa (33.6%). This condition puts children at disadvantages due to partly irreversible physical and cognitive damage. This poorly nourished beginning has consequences that include persistent poverty, worsening inequality, higher health care costs and weaker national economies. Early detection of stunting is a key factor to any prevention strategy. Objective To examine the relationship between child, maternal, household, and gender inequality characteristics with early onset of child stunting in Kenya and Cambodia. Methods The study analyzed data from the 2014 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) in Kenya and Cambodia for children under age 2. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to find associations between the variables and child stunting. Results The prevalence of stunting among children under age 2 in Kenya was 22%, and in Cambodia, 25%. Child’s age, perceived birth size, family wealth status, and region of residence were significantly associated with stunting. In both countries children from the richest households had 0.4 times lower odds of being stunted compared with those from the poorest households. In Kenya, female children had 0.6 times lower odds of being stunted compared with male children. In Cambodia, children from rural areas had 0.6 times lower odds of being stunted compared with those from urban areas, while children whose mothers were underweight had 1.7 times higher odds of being stunted than children whose mothers were not underweight. In both countries, there was general lack of a strong and significant relationship between the DHS indicators of gender inequality and child stunting. Conclusions Children’s characteristics, household wealth and maternal underweight were more important in predicting stunting in these children under two years of age than factors related to gender inequality. A more extensive analysis of future DHS data that includes other aspects of gender inequality such as decisions on choice and preparation of food, purchase of household goods, as well as gender-based barriers to provision of child care might provide additional insights on that potential determinant of early stunting
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    Tripartite of Malnutrition: Co-existence of Underweight, Overweight and Micronutrient Deciency Among Children in Kisumu County, Kenya
    (2021-02-19) Sawe, Caroline J.; Makau, W Kogi-; Ettyang, Grace A. K.; Kimamo CO
    Background: Challenges facing Kenyan government include childhood underweight, overweight and micronutrient deficiencies. These forms of malnutrition have existed in several regions of the world with their consequences spreading to old age. A total of 11% of Kenyan children are underweight while 4% are overweight. Micronutrient deficiency affects 2 billion people worldwide with iron and Vitamin A Deficiency affecting 60% and 70% of children in Sub Saharan Africa respectively. Only 72% of Kenyan children consume diets rich in Vitamin A. This study assessed the status of underweight, overweight and micronutrient deficiency among children in Kisumu County, Kenya. Methods: Cross sectional study was used that recruited 384 children aged less than 2 years. Anthropometric measurements assessed nutritional status while food frequency questionnaire assessed nutrient intake of children. STATA V.14 analyzed data. Bivariate analysis linked outcome and independent variables while multinomial logistic regression assessed factors influencing malnutritional status of children. Results: A total of 23% of children were underweight while 30% were overweight. Only 10% consumed carbohydrate adequate diets while 31% consumed foods rich in iron. Mothers earning more than Ksh 3,000 had 60% higher risks of their children being underweight compared to those earning less than Ksh 2,999 per month while children living in permanent houses had 50% lower risks of being underweight compared to those living in temporary houses. Children aged between 19 and 24 months had 80% higher risks of being overweight compared to those aged below 6 months while those living in permanent houses had 40% lower risks of being overweight compared to those living in temporary houses. Those with inadequate carbohydrate and iron intake had 20% and 80% lower risks respectively of being overweight compared to those with adequate intake. Conclusion: In Kisumu county, 23% of children were underweight while 30% were overweight. Only 31% consumed diets rich in iron sources. Mothers’ income, type of housing and micronutrient intake were associated with nutritional status of children. Interventions and policies to target this early age as is window period of opportunity.