Qualité de l’alimentation des enfants dans les orphelinats de la zone sanitaire Ouidah-Kpomasse-Tori-Bossito

Abstract

Introduction Good nutrition is an essential determinant of a child's psychomotor, social and emotional development. This study aims to evaluate the quality of nutrition in orphanages in the Ouidah-Kpomassè-Tori Bossito (OKT) health area. Method : This descriptive cross-sectional study took place from 22 March to 16 April 2021 in orphanages in the OKT health area. Four orphanages were identified with all 174 children in them. The quality of the food was assessed through the sanitary and nutritional quality of the food. Health quality was assessed using the five M's method, while nutritional quality was assessed using three 24-hour recalls, the dietary diversity score, energy and some micronutrient intakes and cooking methods. The nutritional status of the children was assessed by anthropometric indices. Results : The safety of the food was poor in three out of four orphanages. The dietary diversity score was low in two of the orphanages. Protein and iron intakes were high while calcium intakes are low in all orphanages. Cooking methods were inadequate in all orphanages. The rates of underweight, stunting and overweight were 21.26%, 1.15% and 0.57% respectively. Three orphanages had very high occurrences of moderate acute malnutrition of 16.0%, 32.0% and 46.7% respectively. Conclusion : These results show that the quality of nutrition is inadequate in these orphanages, reflected in very high rates of acute malnutrition. Urgent action is needed to correct this situation.