Sann Wai Wai Lwin1, Alan F Geater2. 1. Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, 15 Karnjanavanich Road, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand. dr.sannwaiwailwin.1988@gmail.com. 2. Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, 15 Karnjanavanich Road, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Thailand has millions of migrants working in different sectors of industries. Pattani is a deep southern provincial city having thousands of Myanmar migrants working in fishery-related jobs. Children from those migrant families are vulnerable and lack from proper care and raising by their parents. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to describe the nutritional status of Myanmar migrant children and identify conditions which are responsible for undernutrition in that community. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2016 to April 2017 among mothers and children under 2.5 years of age in that community. A total number of 100 children were involved in statistical analysis after excluding 2 comorbid children. Nutritional status of migrant children was classified by WHO Anthro version 3.2.2. RESULTS: Prevalence of abnormal nutritional status was reported by (19.6%) stunted, (10.8%) underweight, and (7.8%) wasted. Other ethnic children rather than Mon and Dawei were more likely to be stunted (p < 0.007). Being occupied by a fisherman father was significantly associated with stunting (p < 0.005). DISCUSSION: To improve feeding practices in infant and young children, a migrant-friendly health education program should be launched and evaluated in this community.
BACKGROUND: Thailand has millions of migrants working in different sectors of industries. Pattani is a deep southern provincial city having thousands of Myanmar migrants working in fishery-related jobs. Children from those migrant families are vulnerable and lack from proper care and raising by their parents. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to describe the nutritional status of Myanmar migrant children and identify conditions which are responsible for undernutrition in that community. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2016 to April 2017 among mothers and children under 2.5 years of age in that community. A total number of 100 children were involved in statistical analysis after excluding 2 comorbid children. Nutritional status of migrant children was classified by WHO Anthro version 3.2.2. RESULTS: Prevalence of abnormal nutritional status was reported by (19.6%) stunted, (10.8%) underweight, and (7.8%) wasted. Other ethnic children rather than Mon and Dawei were more likely to be stunted (p < 0.007). Being occupied by a fisherman father was significantly associated with stunting (p < 0.005). DISCUSSION: To improve feeding practices in infant and young children, a migrant-friendly health education program should be launched and evaluated in this community.
Entities:
Keywords:
Feeding practices; Fisherman father; Myanmar migrant children; Nutritional status
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