TITLE:
Feeding Practices and Factors Associated with Malnutrition among Children Aged 6 - 59 Months in Isangi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
AUTHORS:
Dieudonné Epeleka Mazembe, Raphael Iseayembele Bosalo, Satos Lobwa, Alliance Tagoto Tepungipame, Basile Solomo Elumbu, Joris Likwela Losimba
KEYWORDS:
Child Malnutrition, Feeding Practices, Food Insecurity, Dietary Diversity, Children under Five, Rural Health, Democratic Republic of the Congo
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.8,
August
12,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Child malnutrition remains a major public health problem in low-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Inadequate feeding practices and household food insecurity are important determinants of malnutrition among children under five years of age. This study aimed to analyze feeding practices, the level of food insecurity, and factors associated with malnutrition among children aged 6 to 59 months in the Isangi territory, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 households with at least one child aged 6 to 59 months. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, feeding practices, food security, and children’s nutritional status. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression models to identify factors associated with different forms of malnutrition. Results: The prevalence of underweight and wasting was 21.15% and 25.77%, respectively. Most children (65.77%) had acceptable dietary diversity, but more than half received only one meal per day. All households reported experiencing periods of food shortage and reducing children’s food portions. Multivariate analysis showed that acceptable dietary diversity was a strong protective factor against both underweight and wasting, whereas recent illnesses significantly increased the risk of malnutrition. Conclusion: Inadequate feeding practices and severe food insecurity are major determinants of child malnutrition in this rural setting. Strengthening community-based nutrition interventions and improving household food security are essential to reduce child malnutrition.