Feeding Patterns and Nutritional Status of Children in Kenya

Abstract

There are 200 million children aged below 5 that are malnourished. Approximately 6.2 million of such children died of avoidable causes in 2018, with 45 percent of these deaths associated with under nutrition. Out of all the feeding practices, breastfeeding has been proven as the single most important practice that ensures child survival and good health. It offers immense immunological, nutritional and psychological benefits. The objective of this study is to explore the association between exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and duration of breastfeeding and the nutritional status of children under 5 years. This study utilized the 2014 Kenya Demographic and Household Survey. This is a representative national survey with a sample of 40,300 households. Descriptive statistics and probit regression were used to analyze and estimate the factors influencing the nutritional status of a child below five years. STATA was used a tool for analysis. Findings indicate that the longer a child is breastfed, that the lower the likelihood of a child being stunted and wasted by 3.3% and 1.4% respectively. Gender and child’s age, marital status, age and level of education of the mother, wealth index of the household and access to health information were statistically significant in determining the probability of underweight, wasting and stunting. Residence was realized to be statistically insignificant. We recommend institutionalization of a breastfeeding policy at the workplace, provision of conditional incentives for mothers who take their children for post-natal care visits in health facilities and training of Community Health Workers (CHWs) on Nutrition module. reduced physical activity in children as a result of lifestyle changes, technology and urbanization.