Risk Factors Associated with Malnutrition among children under 5 years in Uganda

This study investigates the demographic, socioeconomic, and feeding practice risk factors linked to malnutrition among children under five years in Uganda, using data from the Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys (UDHS) of 2006, 2011, and 2016. A pooled cross-sectional analysis of 10,152 children under five years was conducted using nationally representative UDHS datasets. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between malnutrition indicators (stunting, wasting, and underweight) and independent variables.Malnutrition showed significant associations with child age, sex, birth interval, perceived size at birth, maternal education and BMI, household wealth index, and breastfeeding practices. Stunting emerged as the most prevalent form of malnutrition, with rural residence, low maternal education, and non-exclusive breastfeeding as key predictors. Malnutrition among under-five children in Uganda is driven by multifactorial influences. Targeted policy interventions should emphasize maternal health education, socioeconomic empowerment, and breastfeeding support.