Factors Associated with Recovery Rate Among Severely Malnourished Children Enrolled in Outpatient Therapeutic Program at Kitui County Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Advent of ready to use therapeutic food made it possible to treat children with severe acute malnutritionas outpatients. Studies have reported that recovery rate among children enrolled in outpatient therapeutic program is below the acceptable standard (<75%). The objective of the study was to determine the factors associated with recovery rate among children aged 6-59 months enrolled in outpatient therapeutic program at Kitui County Hospital. A cross sectionalstudy was carried out where we consecutively recruited104 children with severe acute malnutrition. Information was obtained from mothers/guardians regarding demographic, socioeconomic , socio-cultural and medical related factors. Anthropometric measurements of the children were conducted at the fourth visit. Chi-square test and odds ratio were used to determine the association between recovery rate and independent variables. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of recovery. The recovery rate was 73.3% [95% CI 64.6%-81.9%]. Significant predictors of recovery were absence of co-morbidity in the previous month [AOR=5.23; 95%CI=1.36-20.10; P=0.016], receiving antibiotic [AOR=13.06; 95%CI=3.01-56.65; P=0.001] and initiation ofcomplementary feeding at 6 months of age [AOR=8.86; 95%CI=2.20-35.68; P=0.002]. Being a house wife was an independent predictor of recovery [AOR=5.26; 95%CI=1.33-20.87; P=0.018]. The recovery rate was slightly below the acceptable standards. Special focus should be given on predictors of recovery rate like administration of antibiotics, prompt and appropriate management of co-morbidities with appropriate care during the illness and initiation of complementary feeding at the age of 6 months.