Effect of Male Involvement on the Nutritional Status of Children Less Than 5 Years: A Cross Sectional Study in a Rural Southwestern District of Uganda

Abstract

Background. Undernutrition among children less than 5 years is still a public health concern in most developing countries. Fathers play a critical role in providing support in improving maternal and child health. There is little studied on male involvement and its measurement in child nutrition; therefore, this paper explores the level of male involvement in child feeding and its association with the nutritional status of the children less than 5 years of age. Methods. A cross sectional study among 346 households, 3 focus group discussions, and 4 key informant interviews were conducted in one rural district in Uganda. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of associated factors were estimated and focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted and summarized into themes. Results. The study revealed the highest percentage of the males provided money to buy food for the children (93.6%), and only 9.8% have ever accompanied mothers to young child clinics. Conclusion. In this study, most males were involved in buying food for their children, and providing money for transport to young child clinics was associated with normal nutritional status of children less than 5 years in the study area.