Comparison of Nutritional Status of Under-Five Children between Two Different Socio-Economic Areas of Lusaka District-Chipata and Matero Compounds
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Date
2023
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International Journal of Recent Innovation in Food Science & Nutrition
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, over three million children under the age of five die each year from environment-related conditions, such as malnutrition, lack of accessto clean water, and the risk of infections. To better understand this issue, a cross-sectional study was
conducted to compare the nutritional status of under five children in two different socio-economic areas of Lusaka: Chipata and Matero compounds. The study aimed to assess the nutritional status of under five children, the socio-economic level of the parents, and the dietary history of the children. Data was collected using a questionnaire and anthropometric measurements for 50 children, whose mothers/caregivers were also interviewed. The results showed that 16% of under five children in Chipata had severe acute malnutrition, while only 4% in Matero had this condition. On the other hand, 64% of children in Matero were well-nourished, compared to 48% in Chipata. Additionally, 64% of children in Chipata were stunted (16% severely stunted, 12% moderately stunted, and 36% mildly stunted), while 56% of children in Matero were stunted (28% severely stunted and 28% mildly stunted). The dietary history of the children revealed that Matero had a higher proportion of children who ate more than four meals a day (60%) compared to Chipata (36%). The study also looked at the socio-economic status of the parents. Out of 50 mothers, 42% in Matero had completed a high level of education (36% college and 8% university), while 88% in Chipata had completed a low level of education (36% primary and 52% secondary). Moreover, Matero had a higher proportion of employed mothers (48%) and those who received a high monthly income (24%) compared to Chipata, which had only 16% employed mothers and 12% who received a high monthly income.
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Keywords
Socio-economic status, Nutritional status, under five children.