Prevalence and associated factors of underweight among HIV positive children 6-59 months attending selected health facilities of South-Central Uganda

Abstract

Introduction: Underweight is a significant public health concern among children under 5 years in Uganda, and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a major risk factor contributing to this concern. However, there is limited information regarding underweight particularly among children aged 6-59 months who are living with HIV. The objective of the study was therefore, to estimate the prevalence and describe factors associated with underweight among HIV positive children 6-59 months in selected health facilities of South-Central Uganda. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized quantitative data collection methods, with systematic random sampling as the sampling technique. Questionnaires were employed to collect data on socio-demographic and economic factors, child dietary intake, health status, household food security, WASH factors, and healthcare system factors. Weight measurements were taken using a secca weighing scale. We conducted bivariable and multivariable data analysis using modified Poisson regression in Stata software version 14 to determine the associations between the independent and dependent variables. Results: Prevalence of underweight among HIV positive children aged 6-59 months was 46.7% (78/167). Factors associated with underweight included; Caretakers age groups 25-29, 30-34 and 35+ years (APR 0.53 CI 0.31-0.88 P = 0.02), (APR 0.51 CI 0.29-0.86 P = 0.01), (APR 0.49 CI 0.31-0.79 P <0.00) respectively, child feeding 4-6 and above 6 food groups in 24 hours (APR 0.42 CI 0.27-0.66 P <0.00), (APR 0.51 CI 3.89-5.31 P <0.00) respectively. Boreholes as household water source (APR 1.43 CI 1.01-2.03 P = 0.05), presence of opportunistic infections (APR 0.29 CI 0.17-0.51 P <0.00), garden as household food source (APR 1.38 CI 1.06-1.81 P = 0.02). Conclusion: The findings of the study reveal a high prevalence of underweight among HIV positive children aged 6-59 months. Caretaker’s age, opportunistic infections, food groups taken by a child in 24 hours, household water source, household food source were identified as the significant predictors of underweight among HIV positive children age group 6-59 months. A number of interventions such as; nutrition supplementation programs as part of ART, regular nutrition screening and education, increased HIV awareness among schools would go along way at alleviating the problem of underweight among HIV population aged 6-59months.