| dc.description.abstract | The HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to claim lives and render many children orphans. More than 3 million people died from AIDS including half a
million children. In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that 12 million children have been orphaned by HIV and this number is set to increase. HIV/
AIDS orphaned children suffer malnutrition which adversely affects their health. Objective of this study was to establish the magnitude of
underweight, stunting and wasting as indicators of malnutrition among HIV/AIDS-affected school children aged 6-9 years in Suba district. A cross-
sectional research design was used and setting included Lambwe, Sindo and Ong’ayo primary schools in Suba district. A total of 150 children were
sampled from HIV/AIDS-affected households. Anthropometric measurements and guided questionnaires were the main tools of data collection. Data
was analyzed using SPSS and the Nutri-survey computer software programs. Of the children 8.8% were underweight, 13.3% stunted and 7.6%
wasted. Cereals formed the main part of the childrens’ diet, fish was the most consumed protein and vegetable and fruit consumption was low. Total
kilocalories taken were 41% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance. The most reported illnesses which were also confirmed by the doctor’s
clinical assessment were malaria (16%), upper respiratory infections (6.1%) and skin infections (8.0%). Primary education was completed by
67.4% of mothers, while only 1.2% had post secondary education. The average monthly maternal income was Ksh 1,550 ($ 24.2). Food security
was reported to be low as 64.6% of the households purchased food three months after harvest. HIV/AIDS-affected children suffered underweight,
stunting and wasting with morbidity, poverty, low educational and occupational status of the parents/guardians cited as probable determinants.
Interventions should therefore focus on improved agricultural production, innovative poverty alleviation methods and education. | en_US |
