I.2. STATEMENT OF THE
PROBLEM
In individual children, in developed countries, it is possible
to follow a sequence of infections of gastrointestinal tract leading to
diarrhea which, if long persist, may in turn lead to under nutrition.
Gastrointestinal infections continue to cause illness and death and contribute
to economic loss in most part of the world including Rwanda and even in high
income countries. Recently, a research published in Neglected tropical diseases
showed that Rwandan inhabitants from Northern province infected with more than
two species of parasitic worms are more likely to be underweight than those
with just one or with no infection (Kaberuka et al., 2009).
Young children between 0 and 5 years old are very vulnerable,
their parents needs relevant knowledge of hygiene and nutrition to protect
their children as well as providing to their children food in adequate quantity
and quality so, most of gastrointestinal infections can be avoided.
It is in this context that this research aims is to have a
better understanding in the relationship which may exist between
gastrointestinal infections and malnutrition among children between 0 and 5
years old in Mareba Sector.
I.3. RESEARCH
OBJECTIVES
a) General objective
The general objective of this study is to find out the risk
factors associated with gastrointestinal infections and under nutrition among
children between 0 and 5 years old and to find out if the mentioned are
intrinsically linked.
b) Specific objectives
-To find out which gastrointestinal
infections agents affect children between 0 and 5 years.
-To find out how gastrointestinal infections affect children
between 0 and 5 years.
-To identify the percentage of children presenting
malnutrition.
-To identify which gastrointestinal infections are more
prevalent among malnourished children.
-To find out what are the nutritional and hygiene habits among
children between 0 and 5 years old.
I.4. HYPOTHESIS
-Gastrointestinal infections in Eastern provinces are linked
with under nutrition in children between 0 and 5 years old.
-Lack of hygiene is present among children who suffer of
gastrointestinal infections and under nutrition.
-Lack of fruits, vegetables, meats and eggs is present among
the children with under nutrition and gastrointestinal infections.
I.5. RESEARCH QUESTIONS
-Are there some children between 0 and 5 years who have under
nutrition in MAREBA Sector?
-What are the factors that contribute to gastrointestinal
infections and under nutrition?
-Do parents of MAREBA Sector follow what they are told by
health center agents?
I.6. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE
STUDY
This study will be significant to the parents of children in
MAREBA Sector/BUGESERA District. It will show them which of their habits are
risk factors of gastrointestinal infections and under nutrition for their
children and how to prevent gastrointestinal infections transmission and under
nutrition in children. The health administrators, the Ministry of Health, the
Governments and other researchers will be aware of the main causes and factors
associated with gastrointestinal infections and under nutrition.
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