scholarly journals Food Insecurity and Not Dietary Diversity Is a Predictor of Nutrition Status in Children within Semiarid Agro-Ecological Zones in Eastern Kenya

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zipporah N. Bukania ◽  
Moses Mwangi ◽  
Robert M. Karanja ◽  
Richard Mutisya ◽  
Yeri Kombe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Nutrition Status ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Agroecological Zones ◽  
Nutritional Status Of Children

Machakos and Makueni counties in Kenya are associated with historical land degradation, climate change, and food insecurity. Both counties lie in lower midland (LM) lower humidity to semiarid (LM4), and semiarid (LM5) agroecological zones (AEZ). We assessed food security, dietary diversity, and nutritional status of children and women.Materials and Methods.A total of 277 woman-child pairs aged 15–46 years and 6–36 months respectively, were recruited from farmer households. Food security and dietary diversity were assessed using standard tools. Weight and height, or length in children, were used for computation of nutritional status.Findings.No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in food security and dietary diversity score (DDS) between LM4 and LM5. Stunting, wasting, and underweight levels among children in LM4 and LM5 were comparable as were BMI scores among women. However, significant associations (P=0.023) were found between severe food insecurity and nutritional status of children but not of their caregivers. Stunting was significantly higher in older children (>2 years) and among children whose caregivers were older.Conclusion. Differences in AEZ may not affect dietary diversity and nutritional status of farmer households. Consequently use of DDS may lead to underestimation of food insecurity in semiarid settings.

Gaps in food security, food consumption and malnutrition in households residing along the baobab belt in Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 1099-1112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorah Kwamboka Momanyi ◽  
Willis O. Owino ◽  
Anselimo Makokha ◽  
Esther Evang ◽  
Habte Tsige ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Consumption Patterns ◽  
Nutrition Status ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Food Security Status

PurposeThis paper aims to describe food insecurity status, food consumption patterns of households and nutritional status of families residing along the baobab belt in Kitui and Kilifi counties of Kenya. It also explores associations between these and household socio-demographic characteristics.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study design was performed with a sample of 216 caregiver/child pairs interviewed. Tablet-based semi-structured questions were used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics of children (6-13 years) and caregivers. Food insecurity status was assessed using the household food insecurity experience scale. Information on food consumption was obtained from qualitative 24-h recall as a basis for calculating a household dietary diversity score. Data were also obtained from a non-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements of children and caregivers’ height and weight were taken to assess their nutritional status. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 24 and WHO AnthroPlus 1.0.4.FindingsThe majority (98.2 per cent) of the households were food insecurity despite 81.5 and 57.4 per cent in Kitui and Kilifi counties, respectively, owning baobab trees. About 32.1 per cent of the households had poor dietary diversity scores (< 4). The prevalence of stunting (28.6 per cent), wasting (11.6 per cent) and underweight (25 per cent) rates among children were high. A significant association was observed between the children stunting rates with their age (p= 0.027), and also with household’s food security status (p< 0.001). Of the caregivers, 14.8 per cent were underweight, 18.1 per cent were overweight and 8.8 per cent were obese. There was significant association between the nutrition status of the caregivers and gender of the children (p< 0.001) and also with stunting rates of children (p= 0.047).Originality/valueThe study provides data on the current food security status and food consumption patterns of households and nutritional status of families residing along the baobab belt in Kenya which are mostly areas of marginal agricultural potential. The findings indicate a need for appropriate dietary improvements.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Socioeconomic inequalities trends in child health comparing within and between group inequalities: Food insecurity and malnutrition in Zimbabwe

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akim Tafadzwa Lukwa ◽  
Aggrey Siya ◽  
Karen Nelwin Zablon ◽  
James Azam ◽  
Olufunke A. Alaba
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Child Health ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Socioeconomic Inequality ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Socioeconomic Inequalities ◽  
Nutrition Status ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Concentration Indices ◽  
Geographical Clusters

Abstract BackgroundGlobally nations are advocating for universal health coverage which argues for health access for all however, inequalities in child health remain a threat to this global initiative. Even though malnutrition and food insecurity are now dominating the global development agenda, there are substantial gaps on literature about patterns and trends of socioeconomic inequalities in food insecurity and malnutrition in many developing countries. Globally an estimated 3.1 million children die annually as a result of undernutrition, shockingly sub-Saharan Africa accounts for majority of the most nutritionally insecure and food insecure children in the world. In previous decades’ prevalence of stunting in Zimbabwe has been erratic. This paper assessed socioeconomic inequalities in child health focusing on malnutrition and food insecurity in Zimbabwe.MethodsThe study used Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data sets of 2010\11 and 2015. Food insecurity in children was determined based on the WHO dietary diversity score. The study adopted the WHO dietary diversity score informed by the Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices. Minimum dietary diversity as an indicator for food security is defined by a cut- off point of >4, therefore for this study children with less than 3 of the 13 food groups were defined as food insecure. Malnutrition was assessed using weight-for-age Z-scores, with children whose weight-for-age Z-score below minus two standard deviations (-2 SD) from the median considered malnourished. Concentration indices were computed to understand if malnutrition was dominant among the poor or rich. The paper used the Theil index, which is a generalized entropy measure and decomposed the indices by population subgroups (geographical clusters and socioeconomic status) so as to separate total inequality in the distribution between the selected groups and remaining within-group inequalities.ResultsFor the period under review malnutrition prevalence increased by 1.03 percentage points (p.p) [2010/11(3.73%); 2015(4.76%)], while food insecurity prevalence decreased by 4.35p.p [2010/11(78.29%);2015(73.94)]. Prevalence of malnutrition and food insecurity increased by; 9.6p.p and 2p.p among poor children & 10.23p.p and 0.5p.p among rural children. Concentration indices showed that; children from wealthy households were more likely to be food secure (pro-rich) while, children from poor households were more likely to be nutritious (pro-poor). For nutrition status socioeconomic inequality gaps appear to be widening as the concentration indices between the two time periods increased, while for food security status socioeconomic inequality gaps appear to be contracting as the concentration indices between the two time periods reduced. Decomposed Theil indices by geographical clusters (urban & rural) for; food security status shows contracting socioeconomic inequality gaps in both geographical clusters (urban & rural), while for nutrition status the Theil indices reflect widening socioeconomic inequality gaps among urban children and contracting socioeconomic inequality gaps among rural children.ConclusionThe study concluded within-group inequalities to be driving most of the socioeconomic inequalities in nutritional status and food security status of children in Zimbabwe. Therefore, Zimbabwean government should design policies that focus on addressing within-group inequalities and direct food security interventions for food insecure children through availing food aid.

scholarly journals Effect of Household food Insecurity on the Nutritional Status of Children under Five in North Kassala

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Abd Alrazik Desogi ◽  
Fatima Abbas Khalid ◽  
Awadia Khojali Mohamed ◽  
Asma Mahmoud Hamza ◽  
Sarah salih Mohammed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Nutrition Status ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Household Food Insecurity ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
Household Food

Abstract BackgroundMalnutrition and anemia are still major health problem in Sudan .This study aim to assess the magnitude of household food insecurity and its consequences on the nutritional status and anemia of children 6–60 months in north localities in Kassala State (Eastern Sudan) MethodWe administered a cross-sectional survey to 445 households in 16 villages. We used specially designed structured questionnaire. We measure household food insecurity by food consumption score (FCS)Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical package. Frequencies and Chi2 was performed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to develop the final model indicating the predictors of the outcome variable.ResultsFood insecurity and vulnerability for food insecurity was found in 181 (38.7%) of household .There was significant associations (P < 0.001) between household's food insecurity and income, household size, number of children, eating habits and avoidance of certain types of food. the overall prevalence of stunting , wasting and underweight was 52.1%, 35.6% and 53.9% respectively. The result showed that the relationship of nutrition status of children and HH food security was statistically insignificant although stunted and underweight were increased by 8% and 7% respectively in food insecure HH, though the prevalence of wasting was almost similar in food secure and insecure households. The study showed that 262 (76.4%) of children had HB level less than 11g/dL. Mild anemia was reported in only 9.3% while moderate and sever anemia in 34.4% , 32.7% respectively. This study revealed that there is negative association of HB level with HH food security (P<0.05). Among those who had normal HB level 30 (37%) were food insecure, whereas 51 (63%) where food secure in contrast to 195(75.6%) who had low level of HB were food secure. ConclusionAccording to the study findings, more attention is needed to improve household food security in the study area .Good eating habits can be achieved by designing education programs to improve knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to healthy eating and food preparation and overall, increasing household income through improving the farming methods, and finding the alternative sources of income. Other risk factors of malnutrition and anemia also should be corrected , such as improving maternal education, improving feeding practices regarding avoiding certain type of food and controlling childhood infections.

scholarly journals Socioeconomic inequalities trends in child health comparing within and between group inequalities: Food insecurity and malnutrition in Zimbabwe

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akim Tafadzwa Lukwa ◽  
Aggrey Siya ◽  
Karen Nelwin Zablon ◽  
James Azam ◽  
Olufunke A. Alaba
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Child Health ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Socioeconomic Inequality ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Socioeconomic Inequalities ◽  
Nutrition Status ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Weight For Age

Abstract Background Food insecurity and malnutrition in children are pervasive public health concerns in Zimbabwe. Several studies previously done, only identified determinants of food insecurity and malnutrition with very little efforts have been done in assessing related inequalities and decomposing the inequalities across household characteristics in Zimbabwe. This study explored socioeconomic inequalities trends in child health using the decomposition approach to compare within and between group inequalities. Methods The study used Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data sets of 2010\11 and 2015. Food insecurity in children was determined based on the WHO dietary diversity score. Minimum dietary diversity was defined by a cut- off point of >4 therefore, in this study children with less than 3 of the 13 food groups were defined as food insecure. Malnutrition was assessed using weight for age Z-score, with children whose weight-for-age Z-score below minus two standard deviations (-2 SD) from the median considered malnourished. Concentration indices were computed to understand if malnutrition was dominant among the poor or rich. The study used the Theil index and decomposed the index by population subgroups (geographical clusters and socioeconomic status). Results Over the study period, malnutrition prevalence increased by 1.03 percentage points (p.p), while food insecurity prevalence decreased by 4.35p.p. Prevalence of malnutrition and food insecurity increased among poor rural children. Theil indices for nutrition status show socioeconomic inequality gaps to have widened, while food security status socioeconomic inequality gaps contracted for the period under review. Conclusion: Within-group inequalities are driving most of the socioeconomic inequalities in nutritional status and food security status among children in Zimbabwe. To address the socioeconomic inequalities, there is need to tackle the four pillars (availability, accessibility, utilization and stability of food supply) of food and nutrition security.

scholarly journals Tingkat Kecukupan Energi, Protein Dan Status Ketahanan Pangan Rumah Tangga Berhubungan Dengan Status Gizi Anak Usia 6-8 Tahun

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 189
Author(s):  
Rika Kusuma Nagari ◽  
Triska Susila Nindya
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Anthropometric Measurement ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Food Recall ◽  
Nutritional Status Of Children

Background: The nutritional status of elementary school children can be influence by many factors such as levels adequacy of energy and proteinand household food security status. Unbalanced levels adequacy of energy and protein possibility can cause nutritional problems in children. While the status of household food security has an impact on the household ability to access a good food. Objectives: aims of this study are to analyze the relationship between nutritional adequacy level and household food security status with nutritional status of children aged 6-8 years. Method: This study used cross sectional design with sample of 62 families with children aged 6-8 years enrolled in SDN 1 and 2 Sambirejo. Anthropometric measurement of height and weight is used to determine the nutritional status of children. The instruments used 2x24-hours food recall form (energy and protein adequacy level), and US-HFSSM (household food security status). While the statistical test used is spearman correlation test. Results: The results showed a correlation between levels of energy (p=0.000) and protein (p=0.000) adequacy and household food security status (p=0.010) with child nutritional status. Conclusion: Households with food insecurity had a higher proportion of nutritional problem than food secure family, so it is needed to children for having supplemental food, especially them who have nutritional problems and on food insecurity condition. It is intended to provide children with additional nutritious food to reduce the risk of nutritional problems.ABSTRAK Latar Belakang: Status gizi anak sekolah dasar dapat dipengaruhi oleh banyak faktor diantaranya tingkat kecukupan energi dan protein serta status ketahanan pangan rumah tangga. Ketidakseimbangan tingkat kecukupan energi dan protein, kemungkinan dapat menyebabkan masalah gizi pada anak. Status ketahanan pangan rumah tangga berdampak kepada kemampuan dalam mengakses pangan yang baik.Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan antara tingkat kecukupan energi dan protein serta status ketahanan pangan rumah tangga dengan status gizi anak usia 6-8 tahun.Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan desain cross sectional dengan sampel sebanyak 62 keluarga yang memiliki anak usia 6-8 tahun yang terdaftar di SDN 1 dan 2 Sambirejo. Pengukuran antropometri tinggi badan dan berat badan digunakan untuk mengetahui status gizi anak. Selain itu, instrumen yang digunakan adalah  formulir 2x24-hours food recall (tingkat kecukupan energi dan protein), dan US-HFSSM (status ketahanan pangan rumah tangga). Statistik uji yang digunakan adalah uji korelasi spearman.Hasil: Hasil dari penelitian ini yaitu terdapat hubungan antara tingkat kecukupan energi (p=0,000) dan protein (p=0,000) serta status ketahanan pangan rumah tangga (p=0,010) dengan status gizi anak.Kesimpulan: Rumah tangga yang rawan pangan akan memiliki risiko mengalami masalah gizi yang lebih tinggi bila dibandingkan dengan rumah tangga yang tahan pangan, sehingga perlu adanya pemberian makanan tambahan kepada anak, terutama kepada anak yang memiliki masalah gizi dan berada pada kondisi rawan pangan. Hal tersebut dimaksudkan untuk memberikan anak tambahan makanan yang bergizi agar menurunkan risiko masalah gizi.

scholarly journals Tingkat Kecukupan Energi, Protein Dan Status Ketahanan Pangan Rumah Tangga Berhubungan Dengan Status Gizi Anak Usia 6-8 Tahun

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 189
Author(s):  
Rika Kusuma Nagari ◽  
Triska Susila Nindya
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Anthropometric Measurement ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Food Recall ◽  
Nutritional Status Of Children

Background: The nutritional status of elementary school children can be influence by many factors such as levels adequacy of energy and proteinand household food security status. Unbalanced levels adequacy of energy and protein possibility can cause nutritional problems in children. While the status of household food security has an impact on the household ability to access a good food. Objectives: aims of this study are to analyze the relationship between nutritional adequacy level and household food security status with nutritional status of children aged 6-8 years. Method: This study used cross sectional design with sample of 62 families with children aged 6-8 years enrolled in SDN 1 and 2 Sambirejo. Anthropometric measurement of height and weight is used to determine the nutritional status of children. The instruments used 2x24-hours food recall form (energy and protein adequacy level), and US-HFSSM (household food security status). While the statistical test used is spearman correlation test. Results: The results showed a correlation between levels of energy (p=0.000) and protein (p=0.000) adequacy and household food security status (p=0.010) with child nutritional status. Conclusion: Households with food insecurity had a higher proportion of nutritional problem than food secure family, so it is needed to children for having supplemental food, especially them who have nutritional problems and on food insecurity condition. It is intended to provide children with additional nutritious food to reduce the risk of nutritional problems.ABSTRAK Latar Belakang: Status gizi anak sekolah dasar dapat dipengaruhi oleh banyak faktor diantaranya tingkat kecukupan energi dan protein serta status ketahanan pangan rumah tangga. Ketidakseimbangan tingkat kecukupan energi dan protein, kemungkinan dapat menyebabkan masalah gizi pada anak. Status ketahanan pangan rumah tangga berdampak kepada kemampuan dalam mengakses pangan yang baik.Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan antara tingkat kecukupan energi dan protein serta status ketahanan pangan rumah tangga dengan status gizi anak usia 6-8 tahun.Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan desain cross sectional dengan sampel sebanyak 62 keluarga yang memiliki anak usia 6-8 tahun yang terdaftar di SDN 1 dan 2 Sambirejo. Pengukuran antropometri tinggi badan dan berat badan digunakan untuk mengetahui status gizi anak. Selain itu, instrumen yang digunakan adalah  formulir 2x24-hours food recall (tingkat kecukupan energi dan protein), dan US-HFSSM (status ketahanan pangan rumah tangga). Statistik uji yang digunakan adalah uji korelasi spearman.Hasil: Hasil dari penelitian ini yaitu terdapat hubungan antara tingkat kecukupan energi (p=0,000) dan protein (p=0,000) serta status ketahanan pangan rumah tangga (p=0,010) dengan status gizi anak.Kesimpulan: Rumah tangga yang rawan pangan akan memiliki risiko mengalami masalah gizi yang lebih tinggi bila dibandingkan dengan rumah tangga yang tahan pangan, sehingga perlu adanya pemberian makanan tambahan kepada anak, terutama kepada anak yang memiliki masalah gizi dan berada pada kondisi rawan pangan. Hal tersebut dimaksudkan untuk memberikan anak tambahan makanan yang bergizi agar menurunkan risiko masalah gizi.

scholarly journals Hubungan Ketahanan Pangan dan Karakteristik Keluarga dengan Status Gizi Balita Usia 2 – 5 Tahun (Studi di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Wonokusumo Kota Surabaya)

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 44
Author(s):  
Devi Eka Jayarni ◽  
Sri Sumarmi
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Random Sampling ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Family Characteristics ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Nutritional Status Of Children

Background: Households experiencing food insecurity in Indonesia is 30%, while vulnerable to food is 11%. Food insecurity is related to nutrional status. Based on Riskesdas Indonesia data in 2007 the prevalence of underfive children less than 19.6%, decreased to 18.4% in 2010, but increased to 19.6% in 2013.Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze relationship between food security, family characteristics with nutritional status of children aged 2-5 years old at area Puskesmas Wonokusumo Kota Surabaya.Methods: This study was an observasional analytic using cross sectional design. Sample size of 97 from 4101 of underfive children used Lemeshow with simple random sampling method. Collecting data used US-HFSSM questionnary for examine household food security, weight- age index for measuring nutritional status of children. Statistical analysis test used Spearman correlate test and chi square test.Results:Most of mother graduated from primary school by 38.1%, mostly mothers doesn’t work by 85.6%, most of parents income are below average amount IDR 2,363,092 by 53.6%, as well as spending on food consumption expenditure amount IDR 1,724,943 by 7.3%, while mostly household have food insecurity by 54.9%. However, there is relationship between parents incomes (p=0.006) and household food security (p=0.045) with nutritional status of children under five years old.Conclusion: The higher household income the higher food expenditure. Household’s food insecurity is mostly below average expenditure.ABSTRAKLatar Belakang : Rumah tangga yang mengalami rawan pangan di Indonesia sebesar 30%, sedangkan sangat rawan sebesar 11%.Ketahanan pangan erat kaitannya dengan masalah gizi. Berdasarkan data Riskesdas tahun 2007 prevalensi balita mengalami gizi kurang di Indonesia sebesar 19,6%, menurun menjadi 18,4% tahun 2010, namun meningkat menjadi 19,6% tahun 2013.Tujuan : Tujuan pada penelitian ini untuk menganalisis hubungan ketahanan pangan dan karakteristik keluarga dengan status gizi balita di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Wonokusumo Kota Surabaya.Metode : Jenis penelitian ini menggunakan observasional analitik dengan studi desain cross sectional. Besar sampel 97 dari 4101 balita menggunakan rumus Lemeshow dengan metode simple random sampling. Pengumpulan data menggunakan kuisioner US – HFSSM untuk mengukur status ketahanan pangan rumah tangga, indeks BB/U digunakan untuk menilai status gizi balita. Uji statistik yang digunakan adalah uji korelasi spearman dan uji chi-square.Hasil : sebagian besar ibu balita pendidikan terakhir tamat SD/ sederajat sebesar 38,1%, sebagian besar ibu balita tidak bekerja sebesar 85,6%, pendapatan keluarga sebagian besar kurang dari rata –rata Rp 2.363.092 sebesar 53,6%, sebagian besar pengeluaran rumah tangga kurang dari rata – rata Rp 1.724.943 sebesar 75,3%, sebagian besar rumah tangga rawan pangan derajat kelaparan sedang sebesar 54,9%, Terdapat hubungan antara pendapatan keluarga (p=0,006) dan ketahanan pangan rumah tangga (p=0,045) dengan status gizi balita.Kesimpulan : tingginya pendapatan rumah tangga maka mempengaruhi pengeluaran untuk pangan. Rumah tangga rawan pangan sebagian besar penegeluaran untuk pangan dibawah rata – rata. 

scholarly journals The nutritional status of children living within institutionalized care: a systematic review

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e8484
Author(s):  
Emily DeLacey ◽  
Cally Tann ◽  
Nora Groce ◽  
Maria Kett ◽  
Michael Quiring ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Nutrition Status ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Diet Diversity ◽  
Growth Standards ◽  
Reported Data ◽  
Nutritional Status Of Children

Background There are an estimated 2.7 million children living within institutionalized care worldwide. This review aimed to evaluate currently available data on the nutrition status of children living within institutionalized care. Methods We searched four databases (Pubmed/Medline, CINHAL Plus, Embase and Global Health Database) for relevant articles published from January 1990 to February 2019. Studies that included information on anthropometry or micronutrient status of children living within institutionalized care were eligible for inclusion. The review is registered on PROSPERO: CRD42019117103. Results From 3,602 titles screened, we reviewed 98 full texts, of which 25 papers were eligible. Two (8%) studies reported data from multiple countries, nine (36%) were from Asia, four (16%) from Africa, three (12%) from Eastern Europe, four (16%) from the European Union and one (4%) from each of the remaining regions (Middle East, South America and the Caribbean). Twenty-two (88%) were cross sectional. Ten (40%) of the studies focused on children >5 years, seven (28%) on children <5 years, seven (28%) covered a wide age range and one did not include ages. Low birth weight prevalence ranged from 25–39%. Only five (20%) included information on children with disabilities and reported prevalence from 8–75%. Prevalence of undernutrition varied between ages, sites and countries: stunting ranged from 9–72%; wasting from 0–27%; underweight from 7–79%; low BMI from 5–27%. Overweight/obesity ranged from 10–32% and small head circumference from 17–41%. The prevalence of HIV was from 2–23% and anemia from 3–90%. Skin conditions or infections ranged from 10–31% and parasites from 6–76%. Half the studies with dietary information found inadequate intake or diet diversity. Younger children were typically more malnourished than older children, with a few exceptions. Children living within institutions were more malnourished than community peers, although children living in communities were also often below growth standards. High risk of bias was found. Conclusions This study highlights the limited amount of evidence-based data available on the nutritional status of children in institutions. Of the studies reviewed, children living within institutionalized care were commonly malnourished, with undernutrition affecting young children particularly. Micronutrient deficiencies and obesity were also prevalent. Data quality was often poor: as well as suboptimal reporting of anthropometry, few looked for or described disabilities, despite disability being common in this population and having a large potential impact on nutrition status. Taken together, these findings suggest a need for greater focus on improving nutrition for younger children in institutions, especially those with disabilities. More information is needed about the nutritional status of the millions of children living within institutionalized care to fully address their right and need for healthy development.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Socioeconomic inequalities trends in child health comparing within and between group inequalities: Food insecurity and malnutrition in Zimbabwe

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akim Tafadzwa Lukwa ◽  
Aggrey Siya ◽  
Karen Nelwin Zablon ◽  
James Azam ◽  
Olufunke A. Alaba
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Child Health ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Socioeconomic Inequality ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Socioeconomic Inequalities ◽  
Nutrition Status ◽  
Poor Households ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Concentration Indices

Abstract BackgroundInequalities in child health remain a threat to this global efforts to achieve universal health coverage. We assessed socioeconomic inequalities in child health focusing on malnutrition and food insecurity in Zimbabwe.MethodsWe used Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data sets of 2010\11 and 2015. Food insecurity in children was determined based on the WHO dietary diversity score. Minimum dietary diversity was defined by a cut- off point of >4 therefore, in this study children with less than 3 of the 13 food groups were defined as food insecure. Malnutrition was assessed using weight for age Z-score, with children whose weight-for-age Z-score below minus two standard deviations (-2 SD) from the median considered malnourished. Concentration indices were computed to understand if malnutrition was dominant among the poor or rich. The study used the Theil index and decomposed the index by population subgroups (geographical clusters and socioeconomic status).ResultsOver the study period, malnutrition prevalence increased by 1.03 percentage points (p.p) [2010/11(3.73%); 2015(4.76%)], while food insecurity prevalence decreased by 4.35p.p [2010/11(78.29%);2015(73.94)]. Prevalence of malnutrition and food insecurity increased by; 9.6p.p and 2p.p among poor children & 10.23p.p and 0.5p.p among rural children. Children from wealthy households were more likely to be food secure and children from poor households were more likely to be nutritious. For nutrition status, socioeconomic inequality gaps appeared to be widening as the concentration indices between the two time periods increased, while for food security status socioeconomic inequality gaps appeared to be contracting as the concentration indices between the two time periods reduced. Food security status showed contracting socioeconomic inequality gaps in both geographical clusters (urban & rural), while for nutrition status there were widening socioeconomic inequality gaps among urban children and contracting socioeconomic inequality gaps among rural children.ConclusionWithin-group inequalities are driving most of the socioeconomic inequalities in nutritional status and food security status among children in Zimbabwe. There is need for policies that focus on addressing within-group inequalities and direct food security interventions for food insecure children through availing food aid parcels especially for children from poor households irrespective of where they reside.

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