Wash practices assessment on the nutrition status of children under age five in Songwe region: A case study of Ileje District Council

The study aims to assess the effects of water, sanitation and hygiene practices on the nutrition status of children under five years in the Songwe region of Tanzania since malnutrition is still a big challenge in developing countries, particularly the Southern Highlands Zone which needs integrated measures to be addressed. Cross-sectional studies involving 110 children aged 0-59 months were assessed for Weight-for-Age, Height-for-Age and Weight-for-Height involving a structured questionnaire. Results showed that 47.27% were stunted, 27.27% were underweight while 16.36% were wasted and 53.63% of respondents did not participate in any community program. The study also revealed that 35.45% had pit latrines, 44.54% used communal pit latrines, 13.63% had flush toilet types and 6.36% did not have any kind of toilet. Lack of proper latrine increases the chances of getting infections such as worm infestation. 37.27% of respondents still use unimproved sources (River water, dams, ponds) and 65.45% of respondents use untreated water for drinking, cooking, and food preparation activities which increases disease incidences and infections. The presence of poor nutrition status of children under age five in the study sample was caused by poor childcare practices. These findings alert the Government starting from the local government level to use nutrition stakeholders to effectively influence mothers/caregivers to make healthy dietary practices.