Effect of household AIDS on the nutritional status and morbidity of children between 12 and 72 months of age in Fort Portal, Uganda

This study compared the nutritional status and frequency of disease episodes in children between 12 and 72 months of age (n=205) living in AIDS affected homes (n=105) versus children living in non-AIDS affected homes (n=100). Questionnaires were administered to children's principal caregiver and children were weighed and measured. Anthropometric indicators for stunting, underweight and wasting were analyzed. Fifty-five percent of all children were stunted, 20.5 % were underweight and no children were wasted. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of malnutrition for children living in AIDS affected versus non-AIDS affected homes. There was no difference in the frequency of disease episodes in the last three months for both groups of children. Children in AIDS affected homes suffered a longer duration of last disease episode compared to children in non-AIDS affected homes. Recommendations are given to address the sub-optimal nutritional status of these children.