Demographic, Houses Environment Factors and Diseases of Malnourished Infants under Six Months Age at Elobied, North Kordofan State-Sudan

Abstract

This study was conducted at Elfatih Elnour Health Centre, Elobied, Sheikan locality, North Kordofan State, Sudan. The study aimed at assessing the demographic, houses environment factors and diseases of malnourished infants under six months age. Forty five infants were selected randomly from total population of 150 ones who visited the center during fifteen days. Primary data were collected using questionnaire and observations. Data were analyzed using SPSS program version (16). Study results revealed that families were categorized into small (22%), medium (47%) and large (31%). Forty two percent of household had two children also with same ratio of them had one children. The study findings revealed that education levels of mothers and fathers, were primary school (49 and 47%), secondary school (20 and 38%) and university (20 and 7%), respectively. Regarding to father’s occupations, most of them (84%) were free work and all mothers were housewives. The study results indicated that diseases suffered by respondents were infection (40%), fever (26%) and diarrhea (34%). The sources of water used in respondents’ houses were excavation (4%), ground water (31%) and tap water (65%). All houses had latrines with siphon (53%) or traditional pits (45%). Statistical analyses showed that there were significant relationships (p<.05) between number of family members and level of mother education with correlation coefficient 0.67, type of latrine and diseases infected respondents with correlation coefficient 0.73 and source of water and diseases infected respondents. It can be concluded that family size was medium, number of children per family were one or two and education level of parents was primary school. Occupation of fathers and mothers were free work and housewife, respectively. Children suffered from infection, fever and diarrhea. Mostly, source of water used by respondents was tap water and they had latrines. Further studies are needed in other health centers.