J G Sackou Kouakou1, B S Aka2, A E Hounsa3, R Attia3, R Wilson4, O Ake2, S Oga3, Y Houenou5, L Kouadio3. 1. Universite Felix Houphouët Boigny, Institut national d'hygiène publique, 22 BP 1306 Abidjan 22 Côte d'Ivoire. 2. Service de nutrition, Institut national d'hygiène publique, 22 BP 1306 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. 3. UFR sciences pharmaceutiques et biologiques, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. 4. École nationale de statistiques et d'économie, Côte d'Ivoire. 5. UFR sciences médicales de l'université Felix Houphouët Boigny, Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: In Côte d'Ivoire, the prevalence of malnutrition among children younger than 5 years exceeded 5% in 2011 and was thus considered serious. This overall prevalence may nonetheless mask differences and specificities between regions and municipalities. This study sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors of malnutrition among children in this age group in a semi-urban area of Abidjan. METHODS: This exhaustive, descriptive, cross-sectional survey took place from May 6 to July 31, 2010. The children's nutritional status was determined according to the WHO criteria. Univariate and multivariate analysis of factors associated with malnutrition (social and demographic characteristics, immunization status, children's eating practices, and household characteristics) were studied. RESULTS: We visited 668 households and recruited 809 children. The prevalence of malnutrition was 22.5%. Multivariate analysis showed that the introduction of porridge after 6 months halved the risk of malnutrition. Risk tripled for children whose father's occupation did not guarantee a regular income. CONCLUSION: Among the factors highlighted by this study, dietary practices seem the most amenable to corrective action. For example, the adoption of outreach programs by the Maternal and Child Protection services could improve nutritional practices in households.
INTRODUCTION: In Côte d'Ivoire, the prevalence of malnutrition among children younger than 5 years exceeded 5% in 2011 and was thus considered serious. This overall prevalence may nonetheless mask differences and specificities between regions and municipalities. This study sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors of malnutrition among children in this age group in a semi-urban area of Abidjan. METHODS: This exhaustive, descriptive, cross-sectional survey took place from May 6 to July 31, 2010. The children's nutritional status was determined according to the WHO criteria. Univariate and multivariate analysis of factors associated with malnutrition (social and demographic characteristics, immunization status, children's eating practices, and household characteristics) were studied. RESULTS: We visited 668 households and recruited 809 children. The prevalence of malnutrition was 22.5%. Multivariate analysis showed that the introduction of porridge after 6 months halved the risk of malnutrition. Risk tripled for children whose father's occupation did not guarantee a regular income. CONCLUSION: Among the factors highlighted by this study, dietary practices seem the most amenable to corrective action. For example, the adoption of outreach programs by the Maternal and Child Protection services could improve nutritional practices in households.
Entities:
Keywords:
Abidjan; Côte d’Ivoire; Malnutrition; children under five; risk factors
Authors: Loick Pradel Kojom Foko; Nicolas Policarpe Nolla; Hervé Nyabeyeu Nyabeyeu; Calvin Tonga; Leopold Gustave Lehman Journal: Biomed Res Int Date: 2021-07-12 Impact factor: 3.411