The Prevalence of Malnutrition among Children under Five Years in Sanda Loko Chiefdom Karene District, Northwestern Sierra Leone

2025-02-07T10:17:50+00:00

Introduction: Malnutrition in children under 5 years remains a significant public health challenge as it spurs child mortality and morbidity in developing countries, including Sierra Leone. Malnutrition is a significant public health problem of developmental concern with both health and socioeconomic consequences, and it contributes to under-five mortality and mortality. This mixed-method cross-sectional study aimed to explore the maternal factors of malnutrition in children under 5 years of age in Sanda Loko chiefdom.

Method: This mixed-method cross-sectional study was restricted to the under-five children of Sanda Loko, Chiefdom Karene District. A random sample was taken from the population, and a semi-structured questionnaire and interviews were used to collect data from June 2000 to June 2023. Data were analysed using Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS),Version 22, and Microsoft Excel software.

Results: The study revealed a 14% prevalence of malnutrition among the under-five children in Sanda Loko, Chiefdom. Counselling on tube feeding (28%) was uncommon in Sanda Loko, Chiefdom. The study also found that counselling on planning and developing healthy eating habits and nutritional education was standard(59% and 62%, respectively). The only maternal factors that have a statistically significant relationship to the prevalence of malnutrition are the highest level of education of mothers (?²=33.974, p-value<0.0001), the economic status of mothers (?²=28.941, p-value<0.0001) and mother’s access to three square meals (?²=61.887,p-value=0.001).

Conclusion: Policymakers should develop educational interventions to improve the mother’s nutritional knowledge.

Assessing the Barriers and Services at Peripheral Health Facility Units to Improving Maternal Health Outcome in Pujehun District, Sierra Leone

2025-02-07T10:35:38+00:00

Background: Maternal mortality remains a significant health problem in low-resource settings due to weak health systems and poor health service delivery. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 94% of global maternal deaths occur in low-income countries, with two-thirds in Sub-Saharan Africa, mainly due to inadequate healthcare access.

Aim: The study aims to access the barriers and services needed at the Peripheral Health Facility (FHF) level to improve maternal health outcomes in the Pujehun District.

Research Methodology: This study utilised a convergent parallel mixed-methodology research design to collect quantitative and qualitative data among healthcare workers, pregnant women and key stakeholders in Pujehun District. A multi-stage sampling technique and simple random sampling were employed to select participants. The combination of quantitative data was collected through Google Forms, and qualitative data was collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews to understand maternal health services in Pujehun District comprehensively.

Results: The survey revealed inconsistent customer satisfaction with maternal health services, with half satisfied, 37.5% partially happy, and 12.5% unhappy. Geographical accessibility was a significant issue, with 30% of localities less than 5 km from medical facilities and 40% more than 10 km away. Basic amenities were lacking in 27.5% of facilities, despite 72.5% having accessible facilities. These findings highlight the need for better infrastructure and accessibility in maternal healthcare services.

Conclusion: Participants emphasised the importance of timely responses to critical cases, strict attendance policies, feedback mechanisms, staff attitudes, punctuality, and responsiveness in maternal healthcare.

Global Journal of Transformation in Pharmaceutical Formulation and Consumer Health

The Prevalence of Malnutrition among Children under Five Years in Sanda Loko Chiefdom Karene District, Northwestern Sierra Leone

Assessing the Barriers and Services at Peripheral Health Facility Units to Improving Maternal Health Outcome in Pujehun District, Sierra Leone