Childrens nutritional status.

Abstract

Trends of undernutrition observed in the 28 countries participating in the Demographic and Health Surveys between 1985 and 1990 are representative except for Brazil which surveyed only one region and Nigeria which is limited to Ondo State with 5% of population. Nutritional reporting is confined to height and weight anthropometric indices; levels of undernutrition are reported by selected demographic socioeconomic and health related characteristics. About 75% of the 28 countries show 20-30% of children aged 3-35 months as stunted. Stunting is particularly high in Bolivia Burundi Guatemala and Uganda (40-60%). Underweight ranges from 7% in Trinidad and Tobago to 38% in Burundi. There is a pattern of little undernutrition among infants aged 3-5 months; thereafter undernutrition increases with age until 36 months followed by stabilization but not necessarily improvement. Levels of stunting range from 22% in Tunisia to 68% in Guatemala for children aged 24-36 months. About 50% of the countries have stunting among 33% of children aged 24-36 months. Birth order and birth intervals are found to be closely associated with stunting. Sex differences in stunting are only evident in the Dominican Republic. Higher birth order is related to greater stunting. Birth intervals of under 24 months are related to greater stunting. Stunting of 33% of children with birth intervals of under 24 months is found among 50% of the countries. Rural areas have more undernutrition particularly in Bolivia Burundi Guatemala and Uganda (under 44%). Mothers with no education commonly have undernourished children but some countries even show undernutrition among the children of the best educated mothers. Having piped water in the house or yard is related to lower levels of undernutrition. The lack of toilet facilities is very strongly related to the frequency of undernutrition. 35% of children from households without toilet facilities are stunted compared to 17% with a flush toilet. Children with measles vaccinations are less stunted. Recent diarrhea illness is related to greater undernutrition. Reducing risk factors would lesson undernutrition.