Introduction: Epilepsy and malnutrition plague Sub-Saharan Africa but the burden of acute malnutrition among children with epilepsy (CWE) in Uganda is unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with acute malnutrition among CWE at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH). Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study among CWE aged 6 months to 12 years from the MNRH Neurology clinic. Using structured questionnaires and anthropometry, data was obtained. Weight for height or BMI for age Z-scores less than 2 standard deviation from the WHO growth standard indicated acute malnutrition. To determine independent variable associations, logistic regression was used. A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: We enrolled 280 participants with a median age of four years (IQR) (1.9-7.5) and 187 (66.8%) were boys. Of these, 44 (15.7%) were acutely malnourished. Limb deformity (aOR 8.33, 95% CI 2.27-34.5) p = 0.002, continuous seizures in the last 6 months (aOR 5.65, 95% CI 1.34-33.9) p= 0.03, and feeding difficulties (aOR 3.19, 95% CI 1.23-8.54), p= 0.018 were linked with increased odds of acute malnutrition. Conversely the odds were reduced by school attendance (aOR 0.12 95% CI 0.030-0.41) p =0.001, rural residence (aOR 0.5 95% CI 0.224-0.994) p= 0.048, and low caregiver education (aOR 0.4, 95% CI 0.187-0.884) p= 0.018. Conclusion: 15.7% of CWE had acute malnutrition. Chronic seizures, limb abnormalities, and feeding difficulties increased acute malnutrition. These children require routine comprehensive nutritional assessment. Disclosure: Supported by Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health.

Juliana Kayaga
Mildmay Uganda Hospital
Uganda

Nicolette Nabukeera
Makerere University College of Health Sciences
Uganda

Anthony Batte
Makerere University College of Health Sciences
Uganda

Richard Idro
Makerere University College of Health Sciences
Uganda