Synergistic relationship between child malnutrition and morbidity among the urban poor

Hildah M. Essendi, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)
Nyovani Madise, University of Southampton
Martin K. Mutua, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)

Data from a cohort study of 1227 children were used to analyze the synergistic relationship between malnutrition and morbidity among children in two informal settlements of Nairobi. Household interviews with mothers/guardians of children born from September 2006 are conducted and the weights and heights of the children taken. The World Health Organization reference standards were used to calculate the z-scores. Questions asked include whether the child had any major illnesses in the two weeks preceding the interview. Descriptive and multivariate analyses of nutritional status and morbidity variables were done. Linear transition modeling approach was also used to check how morbidity in current round is affected by malnutrition in previous round and vice versa. Results indicate an interrelationship between morbidity (diarrhea) and malnutrition (underweight and stunted) before and after controlling for age and sex of the child, mother’s education level and the study site.