The study aims to assess the relapse rate of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) among children under five and identify the associated risk factors in Kabul city. The objectives are to determine the relapse rate, describe the risk factors, and provide recommendations for interventions. The study will use a cross-sectional quantitative approach, collecting data from 10 OPD-SAM program sites over three months.
The key findings indicate an overall relapse rate of 2.93% and average is 4.18%, with significant variability across the facilities.
The identified risk factors include demographic characteristics (high female representation, low maternal education), suboptimal feeding practices, food insecurity, lack of program support, poor water and sanitation, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities.
The study highlights the multifaceted nature of the challenges contributing to SAM relapse in Kabul.
It emphasizes the need for comprehensive, integrated interventions to address the identified risk factors and vulnerabilities, in order to reduce the relapse rate and improve the long-term nutritional outcomes of children recovering from severe acute malnutrition.
