Malnutrition of children in Sikasso (Mali): prevalence and socio-economic determinants.
BACKGROUND
Malnutrition of children is a major public health problem in many African countries. Despite a relatively favourable geographical situation, the prevalence of malnutrition is high in the Sikasso region (Mali).


METHODS
Survey repeated annually during 5 years, to a sample of 491 families living in Sikasso. The determinants of wasting and stunting were analysed using logistic regression.


RESULTS
The prevalence of stunting was about 25%. Prevalence of wasting was about 12%, which is very high, and had been increasing in the past years. No strong associations with socio-economic factors were observed for wasting. Stunting was strongly associated with the education level of both parents, and with the family assets.
Bouvier
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P
Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva.
Papart
J P
JP
Wanner
P
P
Picquet
M
M
Rougemont
A
A
D015362:Child Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008302:Mali / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors