Inappropriate complementary feeding and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene induced prevalence of child malnutrition in Jirapa municipality

Child malnutrition is a major public health problem especially in Africa. The causes of under nutrition are multifaceted and vary according to geographical locations. It is known that, many infant mortalities are attributable to malnutrition induced inappropriate water, sanitation and hygiene practices. Using a cross-sectional community-based research design, the study assessed the effects of inappropriate complementary feeding and poor water, sanitation and hygiene practices on the nutritional status of children aged 6-23 months in Jirapa Municipality. A population of 301 mothers with children 6-23months were evaluated. A stratified sampling procedure was used to stratify the sub districts and a simple random sampling was used to select the communities and study participants. The Prevalence of malnutrition in the municipality stood at 11.3% for wasting, 14% for stunting and 18.6% for underweight respectively. The practices of timely introduction of complementary feeding, minimum meal frequency and minimum dietary diversity score of at least four food groups were 88%, 52% and 24 % respectively among study population. The practice of appropriate complementary feeding was 17.0 %. Also, Household access to quality drinking water, access to hygienic latrines, practices of good hygiene and sanitation were 92.7%, 29.6% and 38.2% respectively. In all, the Score for good water, sanitation and hygiene practices was 40.2%. Relatively, inappropriate complementary feeding [AOR 8.09; 95 %CI (1.06 – 60.70)], Household wealth status [AOR 8.37; 95 % CI (2.85 – 24.59)], child age (9-11months and 12-23months) [(AOR = 7.72, CI = 1.83 – 32.59, P = 0.005) AOR = 3.91, CI = 1.12 – 13.63, P = 0.032)] were independent predictors of stunting. Additionally, households’ wealth was the only strong predictor of wasting [AOR 4.17; 95 % CI (21.56–11.17)]. Therefore, behavioural change and communication involving all the stakeholders on complementary feeding and water, sanitation and hygiene practices among pregnant women should be encouraged.