Undernutrition and Feeding Difficulties Among Children with Disabilities in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Inclusive nutrition services and data on children with disabilities living in low- and middle-income countries remain limited. We estimated the prevalence of undernutrition and described feeding practices and difficulties among children with disabilities ages birth to 10 years at a rehabilitation hospital in Uganda and identified barriers and opportunities for inclusive nutrition. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 428 children. Data included demographics, weight, height, mid–upper arm circumference (MUAC), hemoglobin levels, risk for feeding difficulties, caregiver-reported feeding practices, and functional difficulties complemented by 32 caregiver and stakeholder interviews. Undernutrition was defined using WHO z-scores, MUAC, and anemia cutoffs. Associations were examined using Pearson’s chi-squared tests and adjusted odds ratios from logistic regression. Results: Over half of participants were boys (56.1%) and 65.9% were
Fields of Study & Subjects
Child Nutrition and Water Access
Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders
Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Nutrients
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 200–200
- Publication date
- 8 January 2026
- Language
- EN