Factors associated with consumption of probiotic foods amongst children 0-59 months in informal settlement of Kinawataka Settlemet, Nakawa Division Kampala

Abstract

Background: Children in informal settlements are exposed to infections commonly bacteremia that requires continuous use of anti-biotics. However, the use of probiotics and associated factors remains largely under researched. Objectives: This study aimed at establishing the level of uptake of probiotic foods and the associated factors among children of Kinawataka informal settlements in Nakawa division Methods: This was a cross sectional study, which was conducted in Kinawataka informal settlements in Nakawa division, employing quantitative data collection method. A total of 403 care takers of children aged 0-59 months were randomly selected to participate in the study. Data was analyzed using STATA 14. Descriptive statistics were obtained; Bi variable and Multivariable analysis was done to assess the association between the different variables. Results: The majority 260/384(67.7%) of the respondents were females, 162/384(42.2%) were aged 18-29 years, 265/384(69.0%) had post primary education level and many 179/384(46.6%) were earning less than 55 US Dollars a month. The level of consumption of probiotics among children aged 0-59 months was adequate, at 205/384 (53.8%). The main probiotics used by majority was Yoghurt (78.8%) followed by Bushera (68.0%). The main reason for consuming probiotics included: healing purposes (82.7%), being advised by health worker/friend (57.4%) and known benefits (40.1%). Less than half 137/384 (35.7%) of the caretakers were considered knowledgeable. The majority 287/384(74.7%) of the respondent were positive that probiotics help in healing diseases among children. The factors associated with consumption of probiotics included education level, knowing at least two probiotics (APRR; 1.59, 95% CI: 1.05-2.41, P=0.028), attitude (PRR; 0.59, 95% CI: 0.44-0.78, P=0.013), and perceived risk of bacterial infection (APRR; 0.75, 95% CI: 0.59-0.94, P=0.012). Conclusions and Recommendations: The study revealed that consumption of probiotics was moderate. There was limited knowledge and appositive attitude towards consumption of probiotics. Therefore, there is need for health education to improve knowledge and consumption of probiotics.