MIRERC 036/2025: DETERMINANTS OF SEVERE ACUTE MALNUTRTION AMONG CHILDREN AGED 6-59 MONTHS, MARSABIT COUNTY, KENYA.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) remains a significant global health issue, with 17 million
children affected, and Africa contributing to 46% of the related deaths. In Kenya, ASAL counties
like Marsabit have some of the highest rates of SAM. SAM is a life-threatening condition caused
by deficiencies in protein, calories, and essential micronutrients. The World Health Organization
(WHO) reports that 19 million children under five years old are affected globally, with over
400,000 deaths annually attributed to SAM.This study aims to investigate the risk factors
influencing severe acute malnutrition among children aged 6–59 months in Marsabit County.
Specifically, the study seeks to determine the socioeconomic factors contributing to SAM, assess
the role of maternal nutrition and health status in increasing the risk of SAM in infants and
young children, examine the influence of dietary practices on SAM, and investigate how
healthcare services and the utilization of preventive health measures impact the risk of SAM in
the region. A cross-sectional and case-control design will be employed with a sample size of 385
respondents, selected through simple random and purposive sampling methods. Data will be
collected using structured questionnaires, clinical record checklists, and Key Informant
Interviews (KIIs) with healthcare professionals. The data will be cleaned, coded, and analysed
using SPSS version 28. Descriptive statistics will summarize the demographic and health
characteristics, while inferential statistics, such as ordinary least squares regression, will be used
to assess the relationships between the identified risk factors and SAM at a 0.05 significance
level.