Factors Contributing to Child Malnutrition in the Informal Settlement of Inanda Area, eThekwini Municipality.

Despite economic advancements in post-apartheid South Africa, malnutrition is the primary cause of child morbidity and mortality and has adverse effects on the economy. Malnutrition is determined by multidimensional factors that differ with geographical location. Informal settlements are socially marginalized places, and there is a scarcity of adequate data to understand what factors contribute to child malnutrition. This study aimed to determine what factors contribute to child malnutrition, specifically in informal settlements in the Inanda area of eThekwini Municipality. Employing a cross-sectional quantitative research approach. Convenience sampling was used and supplemented by a non-discriminative snowball sampling. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from a sample size of 160 caregiver-child pairs. Data analysis was done through descriptive and inferential statistics. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors that influence the nutritional status of children. This study revealed high levels of unemployment and illiteracy among child caregivers. The HFIAS analysis showed that more child caregivers’ households were severely food insecure. The HDDS analysis showed that most child caregivers’ households had low dietary diversity (deemed food insecure). Where cereal roots and fat foods were the main dietary components. A greater proportion of child caregivers’ households had no water and toilet facilities. A greater proportion of children were stunted. The binary logistic model revealed that the child’s gender caregiver’s educational level, household food insecurity status, birthweight employment status, access to adequate clean water, and sanitation services positively influenced child nutritional status. While child morbidity negatively influenced the child’s nutritional status. This study recommends an integrated approach to tackling malnutrition. Policies and programs to curb malnutrition in informal settlements are critical. Therefore, government and relevant stakeholders should implement and monitor food and nutrition programs in informal settlements. This study further recommends maternal and nutrition education, skill development, improved access to clean water and sanitation in informal settlements. Keywords: Binary logistic regression, Inanda, informal settlements, malnutrition, nutritional status.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Univeristy of Zululand

Year dc:date.issued

2022

Author dc:creator

• Mkhize, Mbalenhle

• Inanda
• Informal settlements
• Malnutrition
• Nutritional status

Licence

• https://devspace.unizulu.ac.za/bitstreams/0652d2b1-dc0e-45c1-b109-1d3ebb106ea6/download