Assessment of Socio-Demographic and Economic Characteristics and Nutritional Status of Children in Navakholo Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya

Hazel Awuor Okech; Agatha Christine Onyango

doi:10.37284/eajhs.8.2.3296

Hazel Awuor Okech Maseno University
Agatha Christine Onyango, PhD Maseno University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37284/eajhs.8.2.3296

Keywords: Stunting, Underweight, Wasting, Socio-Demographic, Socio-Economic, Child Nutrition

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Abstract

Child undernutrition remains a major public health concern in Kenya, especially in rural areas where food production does not always lead to improved nutritional outcomes. Despite national and county-level progress, localised disparities persist, highlighting the need for sub-county-level evidence. This study assessed the nutritional status of children aged 12–60 months and examined the influence of socio-demographic and socio-economic factors on stunting, wasting, and underweight in Navakholo Sub-County, Kakamega County. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 agricultural households using structured questionnaires and anthropometric assessments, with nutritional status classified using WHO child growth standards. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess associations. Stunting prevalence was 23.4%, underweight 4.9%, wasting 1%, and overweight 5.5%. Stunting was significantly associated with Protestant religion (AOR=5.697; CI=1.881–17.260), geographic location—children in Shinoyi-Shikomari-Esumeiya Ward had reduced odds (AOR=0.324; CI=0.130–0.806)—and household head education, with the highest risk among children whose household heads had no formal education (AOR=21.012; CI=1.180–374.085). Wasting was associated with household income between KES 7,000–9,000 (AOR=5.143; CI=1.345–19.667) and tertiary education of the household head (AOR=12.110; CI=1.001–146.568). Underweight was associated with caregiver age 42–49 years (AOR=0.080; CI=0.009–0.688), having two (AOR=4.345; CI=2.259–8.356) or three or more children under five (AOR=8.951; CI=2.504–31.996), and was least likely among children in Bunyala East (AOR=0.070; CI=0.016–0.305). Localised disparities in child nutrition in Navakholo Sub-County are driven by socio-demographic and economic factors, highlighting the need for targeted, context-specific interventions

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