Predictors of underweight in children under-five years in Ghana

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Nutritional Epidemiology

Background:

• Underweight in children is a critical indicator of malnutrition with lasting impacts on health and development.
• Child malnutrition poses significant long-term risks, including impaired physical and mental health, behavioral issues, and reduced educational attainment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the determinants of underweight among children under five years in Ghana.
• Utilized the United Nations Children's Fund conceptual framework for child malnutrition.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study using 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey data.
• Analysis included 2720 children, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of underweight among children under five was 11%.
• Significant predictors of underweight included age, wealth status, maternal education, region, ethnicity, household sanitation, water source, diarrhea incidence, and health insurance subscription.
• While not statistically significant, the risk of underweight was slightly higher in females (OR=1.04). Maternal education level showed a significant inverse relationship with underweight probability.

Conclusions:

• Interventions should prioritize improving complementary feeding practices and maternal education.
• Addressing poverty and enhancing the overall health status of children are crucial for reducing underweight prevalence.
• Collaboration between the Ghana Health Service and other stakeholders is essential for effective program implementation.