Determinants of child nutrition in Uganda (1992-1999)

Abstract

Using nationally representative household surveys of 1992/ 93 and 1999/ 2000, the study sought to investigate the determinants of child nutrition in Uganda. Specifically, the study required to investigate whether there have been improvements in child nutrition over time. And whether there have been structural changes in the determinants of child nutrition. Child nutrition was approximated by height-for-age z-scores, a long-term child nutrition indicator. The findings demonstrate with substantial evidence that some household and community characteristics in general, play an important role in determining child nutrition outcome. Household consumption expenditure, maternal education, household size, condition of housing, availability of malaria drugs as well as presence of a trained health worker at the nearest health centre, and type of water source, were particularly singled out as the most important covariates. The results further indicate that children were healthier in 1999 than in 1992 and structural shifts in child nutrition determinants were manifested between 1992 and 1999. Household characteristics such as household consumption expenditure, toilet or sanitation facilities, housing conditions and maternal education were particularly found to change over time. Changes over time were also recognized among community characteristics like distance to me nearest health centre, public health centres, and availability of malaria drugs.