TITLE:
Prevalence and Factors Influencing Malnutrition among Children under Five Years of Age in a Peri-Urban Environment in Abidjan
AUTHORS:
Akaffou-Gbery Adja Evelyne, Azagoh-Kouadio Richard, Gbonon Apie Cousso Précieuse, Yao Atteby Jean-Jacques, Attaï-Niamien Affoué Charlotte Amandine, Dieth Atafy Gaudens
KEYWORDS:
Children under Five, Nutrition Assessment, Malnutrition, Abidjan
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.14 No.6,
November
8,
2024
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Child malnutrition is a major public health problem in Côte d’Ivoire in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors influencing malnutrition in children under five in the peri-urban area of Abidjan, the economic capital. Patients and Methods: We carried out a prospective cross-sectional analytical study from May 3rd to October 31st 2019 at the General Hospital of Yopougon Attié in a peri-urban district of Abidjan, the economic capital. The study included 522 children aged 0 to 59 months who were received for a consultation, with the informed consent of their parents. The assessment of nutritional status was based on WHO growth standards. Statistical comparisons were made using the Chi-2 test for a significant p-value below 5%. Results: The population was predominantly female (sex ratio of 0.91) with an average age of 8.21 months and overall modest socio-economic conditions. The prevalence of malnutrition was as follows: 3.45% of malnutrition by excess, including 0.57% of obesity, 16.09% of stunting (5.75% severe), 12.07% of underweight (3.45% severe), 8.04% emaciation (1.91% severe). Three risk factors were identified for default malnutrition: age less than 6 months (p = 0.022), low birth weight (p = 0.003), and prematurity (p Conclusion: Malnutrition by deficiency is common in peri-urban areas in Abidjan with the main risk factors being age less than 6 months, low birth weight and prematurity. Fighting against those risk factors could help improve the nutritional status of children under five in the peri-urban environment of Abidjan.