Determinants of child nutrition and mortality in north-west Uganda

ABSTRACT

An anthropometric survey of children aged 0-59 months in north-west Uganda in February-March 1987 indicated a high prevalence of stuntingbut little wasting. Use of unprotected water supplies in the dry season; prolonged breast-feeding; and age negatively affected nurtirion; in contrast; parental education level improved nutrition. Mortality during the 12 months following the survey was higher among those who had low weight-for-age was the most sensitive predictor of mortality at specificities; while at lower specifcity levels weight-for-height was the most sensitive. Children whose fathers' work as associated with the distillation of alcohol had a higher risk of mortality than other children. The lowest mortality was among children whos fathers were businessmen or who grew tobacco