Factors contributing to the complete recovery of severe acute malnutrition among under five years children at Muhima District Hospital, Rwanda

Abstract

Background: Globally, the various reports have shown that number of children affected with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) is very high. As per WHO reports, SAM is the third most common contributing factor to the deaths of under-5 children, almost 1 million annually, but this ratio is high in developing countries, including Rwanda. More specifically, Rwanda demographic health statistics (RDHS) of 2014-2015 reported that 36.7% of under five years of children were stunted, while 14% had severe malnutrition. Moreover, some studies reported socio-demographic, economic, and health-related factors associated with SAM but still a limited data is available on this issue. Aim of the study: The current study aimed to assess factors contributing to the complete recovery from SAM among under five-years children and to recommend alternatives for prevention and control. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 200 under-5 children with SAM. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent predictors of complete recovery among SAM children treated at Muhima District hospital from January 1st, 2017 to September 30th, 2021. Result of the study: As per the results of this study, different factors like; age, maternal education, HIV/AIDS status, cough, and two-way distance from OTP were found to be significant independent predictors of complete recovery. The most prominent factor was the SAM children with Positive HIV status during follow-up because they were less likely to be recovered than those with negative status with (OR: 0.23_CI: 0.062-0.912 _ P-value of 0.036). CONCLUSION: The complete recovery was in the acceptable range of national and international standards. Conversely to age, maternal education, two-way distance from OTP, and cough during follow-up, the HIV- positive status was proven to contribute to complete recovery.