ABSTRACT A study on the factors influencing ma/nutrition was carried out in Kasambya sub county with the purpose of investigating and establishing the factors influencing ma/nutrition of children in Kasambya. The specific objectives of the study were; to establish the rate of ma/nutrition of children in Kasambya. To estabilsh whether the occupational and economic status of parents will influence the nutrition status of their children. To find out if the educational attainments of parents contributed to the nutritional status of their children. To asses out the role of government in the prevention of malnutrition. The population studied consisted of 49 men and women from the community and] medical officer from Kasambya dispensary. The methods used in the investigation were qualltative, descriotive and observatory given the nature of the research problem. Data was obtained from two sources namely prünary data from questionnaires and interviews, and secondary data from government reports and other documents such as textbooks. A~idings from the study revealed that indeed malnutrition was part of the health problems in Kasambya. It was also discovered that the resident knew ilttle about proper nutrition that is why they were not fully practicing it. It was also reallzed that their llttle know/edge was due to their low educational attainments. Another discovery was that a great number of them were flying in poverty and therefore had difficulty in providing a balanced diet to their familles, give their nature of subsistence activities. Findings also revealed Governments ineffectiveness in facilitating the child health and nutrition programme and that it concentrated on curative programmes. It was also learnt that government was servicing an overwhelming budget for the health sector. The following were recommendeo~ intensifyi’ig plan for modernization of agriculture to increase the rural populations income. Government to monitor and promote protein energy nutrition among the children, support breast feeding, initiate micro-nutrient deficiency preventing and control measures. Increase efforts in PHC and to take steps towards greater emphasis in preventive measures. And to add more details in health education being taught in primary schools.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION

APPROVAL

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGMENT iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS v

LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURE viii

ABSTRACT

DEFINITION OF TERMS x

ACRONYMS

CHAPTER ONE 1

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY 1

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Geographical location of Kasambya 1

1.2 Demographic profile of Kasambya 2

1.3 Statement of the problems 2

1.4 Purpose of the study 3

1.5 Objectives 3

1.6 Research questions 3

1.7 Significance of the study 4

1.8 Scope of the study 4

CHAPTER TWO 5

LITERATURE REVIEW 5

2.0 Introduction 5

2.1 An explanation of nutrition on malnutrition 5

2.2What then is malnutrition? 5

2.3 The situation of malnutrition in society 6

2.4 Factors influencing malnutrition 6

2.5 The present state of government health sector 8

2.6 Conceptual frame work 9

CHAPTER THREE .10

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY io

3.0 Introduction 10

3.1 Research design 10

3.2 Organization of the study 10

3.2.1 Study area 10

3.2.2 Type of data gathered 10

3.3 Data collection 11

3.3.1 Instrumentation 11

3.3.2 Procedure 11

3.4 Sample and sampling techniques 12

3.4.1 Target population 12

3.4.2 Sampling procedure 12

3.5 Data analysis 12

CHAPTER FOUR 13

PRESENTATION OF DATA, ANALYSIS, DISCUSSION AND

RECOMMENDATION 13

4.Olntroduction 13

4.1.1 The rate of malnutrition in Kasambya sub county 13

4.1.2 Occupation and nutrition of children 14

4.1.3 Economic status of parents and nutrition 15

4.1.4 Educational attainment and malnutrition 15

4.1.5 Knowledge about nutrition and malnutrition 16

4.1.6 Observation of nutrition 17

4.1.7 Number of meals served to the family 18

4.1.8 Why parents do not provide a balanced diet to their children 18

4.1.9 Source of nutrition information 19

4.1.10 The role of the government through the health sector in preventing

malnutrition 20

4.1.11 How often does the health sector sensitize people about proper feeding?

4.1.12 Problems faced by the medical personnel when carrying out their duties

4.2 FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS 21

4.2.1 The rate of malnutrition in Kasambya 21

4.2.3 The influence of economic and occupational status of parents on nutrition

4.2.4 The influence of educational attainment on nutrition of children 22

4.2.5 Government role through the health sector to prevent malnutrition 22

4.3 CONCLUSION 23

4.4 RECOMMENDATIONS 23

REFERENCES 24

APPENDICES 25

Appendix I: Questionnaire 25

Appendix II: Interview guide 26