Malnutrition prevalence and nutrition barriers in children under 5 years: a mixed methods study in Madagascar

International Health
Ramin AsgaryMartin Malachovsky

Abstract

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. 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. 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. Malnutrition rates are alarming. Health and nutritional education to improve health literacy and address misconceptions, and improv...Continue Reading

References

Jun 3, 2004·JAMA : the Journal of the American Medical Association·Mercedes de OnisRichard Morris
Dec 24, 2008·BMC Public Health·Ingunn Marie Stadskleiv EngebretsenJames K Tumwine
Jun 12, 2013·Lancet·Zulfiqar A BhuttaUNKNOWN Lancet Nutrition Interventions Review Group, the Maternal and Child Nutrition Study Group

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Citations

Sep 19, 2018·The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·Ramin Asgary
Aug 8, 2020·BMC Health Services Research·Mohammad Mohseni, Aidin Aryankhesal
Dec 30, 2016·Maternal & Child Nutrition·Hasina RakotomananaBarbara J Stoecker
Nov 17, 2020·Epidemiology and Infection·Solohery L RazafimahatratraC J E Metcalf

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