Socio-economic and Demographic Characteristics of Caregivers as a Determinant of Nutritional Status of Children Aged 6-59 Months in Kericho County, Kenya

Abstract

Child growth and well-being are critically dependent on proper nutrition, particularly during the developmental phase between the ages of 6 and 59 months. Poor nutritional status is associated with an increased prevalence of mortality and morbidity in Kenya and globally. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the nutritional status of children aged 6 months to 5 years in Kericho County, Kenya. The research employed a cross-sectional analytical design, targeting children attending outpatient child welfare clinics at Kericho County Referral Hospital and Kapkatet Sub-County Hospital. A total of 172 children were selected through systematic random sampling, and data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Key findings revealed that stunting affected 25% of the children, while wasting and underweight were prevalent in 23.8%. Dietary practices showed that only 39.2% of children aged 6 to 23 months met the minimum dietary diversity, and 39.2% received a minimum acceptable diet. Moreover, 45.3% of children experienced illness in the past month. Regression analysis identified several key predictors of malnutrition: Children of caregivers without formal education were more likely to be underweight (AOR = 0.70, p = 0.01). This study underscores the critical role of caregiver education in shaping child nutritional outcomes and highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve caregiver knowledge and practices.