Uptake of Preventive Nutrition Interventions among Caretakers of Children under 5 years in a pastoral setting of South Sudan

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> <bold>Background</bold> Preventive nutrition interventions (PNI) are usually implemented without understanding how multilevel factors affect uptake. Undernutrition is defined as inadequate intake of nutritious foods. Pastoral populations coupled with conflicts are seen to have low uptake. The study assessed level and multiple factors influencing uptake of PNI in caregivers of children under 5 years (CU5) in Kapoeta South County of South Sudan. <bold>Methods</bold> The study was multidimensional and recruited 405 caregivers of CU5. Quantitative data were obtained through a structured questionnaire. Qualitative data were obtained through Key Informant Interviews (KII). Quantitative data were classified; Personal, interpersonal, and community factors and analyzed using Stata version 16.0. Factor analysis categorized uptake levels; low, medium, and high and logistic binary regression model used to evaluate associations. <bold>Result</bold> Uptake of preventive nutrition interventions was low (51.4%). In a combined regression model, caregivers who had ever heard about PNI (OR=0.16, C.I.=0.10-0.25), number of children in a household (OR=0.40, C.I.=0.26-0.63), and caregivers who made joint decisions (OR=0.31, C.I.=0.19-0.50) were negatively associated with low uptake of PNIs. Similarly, having an undernourished child (OR=2.59, C.I.=1.73-3.89), time to reach health facility (OR=1.70, C.I.=1.30-2.23) and absence of a health facility in community (OR=1.63, C.I.=1.02-2.59) were positively associated with uptake. KIs confirmed undernourishment and time to reach health facilities as barriers influencing low uptake. <bold>Conclusion</bold> Uptake of preventive nutrition interventions among caretakers of CU5 in a pastoral setting of South Sudan is low. Nutrition stakeholders should target caregivers with information, benefits and availability of PNIs and role of spousal-supported joint decision-making.