Nutritional status of children 7–36 months old from millet consuming communities of Masindi District, Western Uganda

摘要: Several national reports have indicated poor nutritional status among children from Western Uganda where millet porridge is a predominant complementary food. However, little known about the of 7–36 months old consuming communities Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bujenje County Masindi District. total 636 23 villages within Bwijanga and Budongo sub counties were randomly selected. Anthropometric measurements taken. Data on demographic socioeconomic characteristics children’s households, their dietary practices morbidity patterns collected using self-administered questionnaire. statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 Emergency Nutritional Assessment (ENA) Software Version 2010 used analysing data. The relationship between households determined Chi-square tests. Pearson’s correlation coefficient to determine association amount consumed. p-value < 0.05 significance. proportion 30.5% stunted, 11.6% underweight 7.4% wasted. Underweight wasting significantly high county at p = 0.044 p = 0.005 respectively. Stunting highest 12 23 months 0.020 Although porridges formed bulk meals, they could only cater < 60% recommended daily nutrient intake. Children with diarrhoea 1.4 2 times likely become stunted p = 0.025 0.007 Feeding contrary World Health Organisation’s recommendations more than 50% studied children. There significant Height-for-Age Z scores, Weight-for-Height scores consumed by (r = − 0.20, p < 0.001 r = 0.14, respectively). Results showed slightly higher percentages wasted compared figures. This attributed incidences inadequate feeding especially 12–36 months old.