DOUBLE BURDEN OF MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN RECEIVED FOR IMMUNIZATION IN THE HEALTH CENTER IN BASSILA (NORTH-WEST BENIN)

Abstract

The nutritional status of children under five years of age is a determinant of their weight gain. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the nutritional status of children under-five received for vaccination at the Bassila Health Center and to identify the determinants. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analytical and descriptive study that took place in the second quarter of 2019. The survey concerned children received for vaccination during the study period. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height of age) were collected and their mothers subjected to a series of questionnaires. The weight for height, height for age and weight for age indexes were calculated using WHO anthro software. The Chi-square test was used to determine the factors associated with P <0.005. Results: A total of 320 children aged 11.7 ± 1.1 months were identified. Nearly 17% were stunted, 19.1% were wasted, and 14.7% were underweight. At the same time, 23.1% of the children were overweight. The comparison of the different z-scores (P / T, T /A and P / A) distribution curves of our study population with those of the respective WHO reference population showed a shift to the left. Poor weaning practices, the level of education and the occupation of mothers are among the determinants of this malnutrition. Conclusion: 19.1% of children are emaciated, 17% are stunted, 14.7 % are underweight and 23% of overweight. There is a situation of "double burden" of malnutrition, which is to say both the problem of under nutrition and overweight.