Socio-cultural related factors contributing to anaemia in children under the age of five years at the paediatric ward in Nakaseke general hospital, Nakaseke district. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71020/p1tzsb78Keywords:
Anaemia, Children under five, Socio-cultural factors, Food taboos, Household, decision-making, Complementary feeding, Nakaseke General HospitalAbstract
Background:
The study aimed to determine the socio-cultural related factors contributing to anaemia in children under the age of five years at the paediatric ward in Nakaseke General Hospital, Nakaseke district.
Methodology:
The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design at Nakaseke General Hospital, targeting caretakers of children under five diagnosed with anaemia. A sample of 80 respondents was selected using simple random sampling, with participants approached, consented, and enrolled using folded-paper selection. Data were collected via pretested, self-administered, structured questionnaires in Luganda, guided by trained research assistants. Quantitative data were analyzed in Microsoft Excel and presented in tables, charts, and graphs. Ethical clearance, informed consent, confidentiality, and adherence to SOPs were ensured throughout the study.
Results:
Among the 80 respondents, 55 (68.7%) were female, and 25 (31.3%) were male. Most were aged 26–35 years (35; 43.8%), followed by 14–25 years (20; 25.0%), 36–45 years (15; 18.7%), and 46+ years (10; 12.5%). Household sizes were 1–4 members (30; 37.5%), 5–8 members (40; 50.0%), and 8+ members (10; 12.5%), with 45 (56.3%) living in rural areas. Half were married (40; 50.0%), 25 (31.3%) single, 10 (12.5%) divorced, and 5 (6.2%) widowed. Regarding education, 30 (37.5%) had secondary, 25 (31.3%) primary, 15 (18.7%) tertiary, and 10 (12.5%) never attended school. Socio-culturally, 35 (43.8%) reported fathers as primary decision-makers on family income, 30 (37.5%) said both parents shared decisions, and 15 (18.7%) said mothers decided alone. Food taboos were practiced in 25 (31.3%) of households, mainly restricting fish (8; 10.0%), chicken (7; 8.7%), eggs (5; 6.3%), and fruits (3; 3.8%).
Conclusion:
Male-dominated decisions, poor feeding practices, and food taboos reduced children’s dietary diversity and increased anaemia.
Recommendation:
Community and religious leaders should discourage food taboos and promote joint parental decision-making on child nutrition.
References
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