Factors Contributes Malnutrition among Children under Five Years Old in Hodan District, Mogdishu-Somalia

Abstract

Aim of the Study: This study aims to evaluate the factors associated with under-five malnutrition in the Hodan district of Mogadishu, Somalia.

Methodology: Quantitative methods and a study carried out in Mogadishu, Somalia's Hodan district were utilized to gather data. Data collection was done through a questionnaire. The study population comprised of mothers and Health workers. The participants of the study were 60 health workers and40 mothers.

Finding:  The result of the study shows that the malnutrition is common in children under five years old in Hodan district, Mogadishu Somalia. So the study revealed that 95% were agree and strongly agree that malnutrition is common among the children under five years old and lead to poor physical work capacity and consequently impairs human performance on learning abilities, as well as Diseases, early weaning and food taboos are underlying causes of malnutrition on children under five years old, so that the study illustrated almost about 48.75% respondents were strongly agree and 39% respondents stated agreed that the Diseases, early weaning and food taboos are underlying causes of malnutrition so that early weaning and poor breastfeeding can lead under nutrition while best breast feeding prevent infections and malnutrition.

Conclusion: The study discovered that malnutrition was common among children under the age of five in the Hodan district. Malnutrition is caused by a variety of factors that surround children under the age of five, including poor dietary intake, early weaning, socioeconomic and cultural behavior, poor breast feeding practice, a lack of nutritional education for parents, and maternal-related factors, which have direct and indirect effects on the health and nutritional status of under-five children.