Assessing Factors Hindering Effectiveness of Family MUAC Program on Nutrition Surveillance and Early Detection of Malnutrition Cases Among Children Aged 6-59 Months in Banisa Sub County

Abstract

The Family MUAC Program, which trains mothers and caregivers to use a Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tape to detect malnutrition in children, has improved nutrition surveillance and early detection of malnourished children. This study assessed the factors hindering the effectiveness of family MUAC programs on nutrition surveillance and detection of malnutrition among children aged 6-59 months in Banisa Sub-County, Mandera County. The study objectives were to assess the influence of mothers' characteristics and socio-economic factors on nutrition surveillance and early detection of malnutrition cases. The study was guided by Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT) and adopted a descriptive correlation research design. The target population was 293 mothers from Banisa Sub-County, and the sample size was determined through the census method. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides and analyzed using SPSS version 26. The response rate was 89% (209 out of 236). The findings showed a positive relationship between socioeconomic factors and the effectiveness of family MUAC programs (r(204) = .232, p = .001). On the contrary, there was no significant influence between mothers’ characteristics factors and MUAC programs (r(204) = .030, p = .489). The study recommendations and conclusion aimed at exploring the feasibility and accuracy of incorporating MUAC measurements into family-based programs for detecting and addressing malnutrition, providing valuable insights into the implementation and efficacy of MUAC-based screening initiatives in community settings.