Abstract:

Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) poses a critical threat to child health in South Sudan, with early diagnosis essential for effective intervention. Caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward early SAM diagnosis are shaped by various demographic factors. This study examined these determinants among 422 mothers and caregivers in Juba County, South Sudan, using a cross-sectional design with multistage sampling. Structured questionnaires assessed KAP, and logistic regression analyzed associations with demographic variables. Educational attainment was a key determinant, with caregivers who completed primary education exhibiting higher levels of adequate knowledge (98.4%) compared to illiterate caregivers (95.2%, p=0.017). Attitudes were significantly influenced by income; caregivers earning less than $10 monthly were 42% less likely to have positive attitudes compared to higher-income counterparts (AOR = 0.583, p=0.011). Practices varied with age, as younger caregivers (≤18 years) demonstrated poorer practices (7.1% with poor practices) compared to those aged 19–29 (3.3%, p=0.012). Marital status also played a significant role, with unmarried caregivers more likely to exhibit poor practices (AOR = 0.621, p=0.001). Despite disparities, 96% of respondents reported positive attitudes toward early SAM diagnosis. Education, income, and social factors significantly influenced KAP, highlighting gaps in practical application among vulnerable groups. Interventions should focus on educational programs for illiterate caregivers, economic empowerment for low-income families, and mentorship for younger and unmarried mothers. Future studies should assess the impact of these strategies on reducing SAM prevalence in similar fragile contexts.

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