Beschreibung:
BackgroundVariations in inter district nutritional status have puzzled both social policy makers and health workers in developing regions worldwide, including in Benin.ObjectiveThis study sought to determine the nutritional status of children under five years and associated factors in Kalalé District in Benin.MethodsA cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted using a structured questionnaire. A total of 774 households were sampled and the nutritional status of one child from each household was assessed using anthropometric measurements. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine what independent variables were significantly associated with the nutritional status of children.ResultsUp to 40% of the children were stunted; 11% were wasted; and 24% underweight. The prevalence of underweight was significantly greater in boys than in girls (P =0.023). The individual dietary diversity score showed that the most consumed food group was cereals (71%). Eggs and legumes were the least consumed foods. Low food diversity was recorded for 54% of the children (<4 food groups), 33% had medium scores (4–5 food groups); while 13% had high scores (6–8 food groups). Stunting had a significant association with low child dietary diversity scores [OR=2.33; 95% CI (1.21–4.50)], low mother dietary diversity scores [OR=1.96; 95% CI (1.92–3.77)] and poor access to health services [OR=1.84; 95% CI; (1.75–3.54)]. In addition, 6–11 months old children [OR=1.58; 95% CI (1.08–2.53)], male sex [OR=1.53; 95% CI (1.06–2.21)], and large family size [OR=4.14; 95% CI (1.18–15.11)] were found to be associated factors for underweight. Predictors of wasting in this study were low child dietary diversity scores [OR= 1.17; 95%CI (1.07–2.95)] and poor access to health services [OR=2.05; 95% CI; (1.60–4.85)].ConclusionUnder nutrition is an important public health problem among Kalalé children aged 6–59 months of Benin. In addition, dietary diversity, family size and poor access to health services are major challenges to good nutrition. Therefore, future interventions should focus on improving food access and availability for enhanced diet diversification for the rising population.