Factors associated with undernutrition among children with sickle cell disease attending the sickle cell clinic in Mulago hospital, Uganda

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is among the neglected non-communicable diseases, which significantly contributes to early childhood mortality. In Uganda, over 20,000 children are estimated to be sicklers. Undernutrition is common among children with SCD and contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. There is paucity of data on prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors in Uganda. Objective To assess the extent of undernutrition and related factors among children aged 5-12 years with SCD attending the sickle cell clinic at Mulago hospital, Uganda. Methods A total of 263 children with SCD attending the sickle cell clinic at Mulago National Referral hospital were recruited consecutively between May and June 2017. The nutritional status of the children was assessed by weight-for-age, BMI-for-age, and height-for-age z-scores calculated using STATA in accordance with WHO 2007 growth standards. Binomial regression was conducted to assess the predictors of undernutrition. Results About20.2%, 11.4%, and 13.7% of the children were underweight, wasted and stunted respectively. Wasting was significantly associated with older age (10-12 years) (AOR=4.20, CI=2.18-8.10) and living in a female headed household (AOR=0.43, CI=0.19-0.99). Stunting was significantly associated with older age (10-12years) (AOR=2.90, CI=1.39-6.06). Underweight was significantly associated with older age (10-12 years) (AOR=2.23, CI=1.05-5.16). Conclusion Underweight, wasting and stunting were prevalent among children with SCD attending Mulago hospital. The factors associated with undernutrition were older age and living in a female headed household.