Malnutrition and Associated Risk Factors Among Children 6–59 Months Old in Napak District, Karamoja Sub‐Region, Uganda: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Background Most existing data on childhood undernutrition in Uganda are derived from surveys at national and regional levels that overlook local variations in risk factors. This study assessed undernutrition levels and associated factors among children aged 6‒59 months in Napak District, Karamoja sub‐region. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted between April 24 and May 5, 2024. Multistage sampling was used to obtain 524 children from Lopei and Lotome sub‐counties. Data collection involved semi‐structured questionnaires and anthropometry. Anthropometric data were used to generate Z scores. Descriptive statistics, chi‐square tests and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) from logistic regressions were reported. Statistical significance was considered for p   < 0.05. Results The minimum dietary diversity (MDD) was met by 4.0% and 6.3% of children in Lopei and Lotome, respectively. None of the assessed children met the minimum acceptable diet (MAD). The prevalence of wasting was 15.5%; moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and severe acute malnutrition (SAM) were 9.2% and 6.3%, respectively. Underweight and stunting rates were 26.0% and 30.9%, respectively. Children from households earning at least United States dollars 8–10 per day had lower odds of SAM (AOR = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03–0.65, p = 0.011). The odds for being underweight were higher among children aged 24 months and above (AOR = 4.81, 95% CI: 3.03–7.63; p   < 0.001), and among males (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.15–2.71; p = 0.009). Similarly, children aged 24 months and above had higher odds of stunting (AOR = 3.21, 95% CI: 2.13–4.86; p   < 0.001). Conclusion Children in the Napak District face a severe undernutrition burden exceeding national prevalence, with no child meeting MAD. Low income, older age and male sex were associated with poorer nutritional outcomes. Urgent, locally targeted nutrition‐sensitive interventions and income‐support programmes are needed in this drought‐prone sub‐region.