Ramin Asgary1, Michelle Liu2, Ramesh Naderi3, Zoya Grigoryan3, Martin Malachovsky4. 1. Departments of Population Health and Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 227 E30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA ramin.asgary@caa.columbia.edu. 2. Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, 462 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA. 3. Departments of Population Health and Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 227 E30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA. 4. Maventy Health International, 46 Norman Place, Tenafly, NJ, 07670, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Limited data exist on malnutrition prevalence in Madagascar. We aimed to assess the point prevalence of childhood malnutrition in the Anivorano region, and to explore mothers' perceptions of barriers to proper nutrition. METHODS: In a mixed methods study we measured height and weight for 313 children, aged 6 months to 5 years during summer 2011 using a recumbent measuring board and calibrated scale, and simultaneously conducted semi-structured interviews with 60 mothers of malnourished (n=19) and healthy (n=41) children. Multivitamins and high-energy supplemental food were provided to malnourished children. Mothers were trained how to prepare high-energy supplemental food. RESULTS: Prevalence of wasting defined by low weight-for-height was 10.3% (31/301); stunting or low height-for-age was 36.2% (109/301). The majority of families interviewed cultivated their own rice and other crops. Major themes regarding barriers to proper nutrition included inadequate purchasing power and access issues, low health literacy and misconceptions regarding proper nutrition and malnutrition, and insufficient variety of crops produced. CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition rates are alarming. Health and nutritional education to improve health literacy and address misconceptions, and improvement in social services, are warranted. A multilateral approach with involvement of health and social service agencies and non-governmental organizations to plan effective preventative strategies, along with broader national and transnational strategies are instrumental to address the fundamental causes of lack of access to proper nutrition.
BACKGROUND: Limited data exist on malnutrition prevalence in Madagascar. We aimed to assess the point prevalence of childhood malnutrition in the Anivorano region, and to explore mothers' perceptions of barriers to proper nutrition. METHODS: In a mixed methods study we measured height and weight for 313 children, aged 6 months to 5 years during summer 2011 using a recumbent measuring board and calibrated scale, and simultaneously conducted semi-structured interviews with 60 mothers of malnourished (n=19) and healthy (n=41) children. Multivitamins and high-energy supplemental food were provided to malnourished children. Mothers were trained how to prepare high-energy supplemental food. RESULTS: Prevalence of wasting defined by low weight-for-height was 10.3% (31/301); stunting or low height-for-age was 36.2% (109/301). The majority of families interviewed cultivated their own rice and other crops. Major themes regarding barriers to proper nutrition included inadequate purchasing power and access issues, low health literacy and misconceptions regarding proper nutrition and malnutrition, and insufficient variety of crops produced. CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition rates are alarming. Health and nutritional education to improve health literacy and address misconceptions, and improvement in social services, are warranted. A multilateral approach with involvement of health and social service agencies and non-governmental organizations to plan effective preventative strategies, along with broader national and transnational strategies are instrumental to address the fundamental causes of lack of access to proper nutrition.
Authors: Sarah McCuskee; Andres Garchitorena; Ann C Miller; Lara Hall; Mohammed Ali Ouenzar; Victor R Rabeza; Ranto H Ramananjato; Hery-Tiana Rahaniraka Razanadrakato; Marius Randriamanambintsoa; Michele Barry; Matthew H Bonds Journal: Glob Health Action Date: 2018 Impact factor: 2.640
Authors: Solohery L Razafimahatratra; Amy Wesolowski; Lala Rafetrarivony; Jean-Michel Heraud; Forrest K Jones; Simon Cauchemez; Richter Razafindratsimandresy; Sandratana J Raharinantoanina; Aina Harimanana; Jean Marc Collard; C J E Metcalf Journal: Epidemiol Infect Date: 2020-11-16 Impact factor: 4.434