Magnitude of undernutrition and its associated factors in children attending Child Welfare Clinics in Techiman Municipal, Ghana

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to estimate the magnitude of undernutrition and its associated factors [especially child health interventions at Child Welfare Clinics (CWCs)] among children in Techiman Municipality, Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A facility-based analytical cross-sectional design involving 403 mothers/caregivers with children. Simple random sampling was used to sample study sites and participants. Child health interventions were assessed by adapting items used in the Ghana Demographics and Health Survey. Weight and length of children were measured and used to calculate anthropometric z-scores based on World Health Organization guidelines. Test for associations was performed using bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. Findings The magnitudes of stunting, wasting and underweight were 20.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 17–25], 11.4% (95% CI: 9–15), and 9.7% (95% CI: 7–13) respectively. Children aged 12–17 months [odds ratio (OR) = 3.1; CI: 1.3–7.5], male children (OR = 5.2; CI: 2.7–10.0) and children attending CWC 19–22 times (OR = 28.8; CI: 6.6–125) had increased odds of stunting. Additionally, belonging to households with one child under 5 (OR = 2.7; CI: 1.4–5.1) and using borehole/well water (OR = 2.7; CI: 1.4–5.3) were associated with increased odds of stunting. Similarly, being a female (OR = 3.5; CI: 1.6–8.0) and using borehole/well water (OR = 2.1; CI: 1.0–4.2) were associated with increased odds of underweight. Originality/value The magnitude of malnutrition, specifically stunting and wasting, exceeds the threshold for public health significance. CWC attendance frequency, age and sex of the child, number of children under five years old in households and water source were significantly associated with undernutrition.