Nutritional status of preschool children in informal settlement areas near Bloemfontein, South Africa.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the nutritional status and household resources of preschool children.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
: Two informal settlement areas, Joe Slovo (JS) and JB Mafora (JBM) in Mangaung, near Bloemfontein, South Africa.


METHODS
Preschool children (<72 months) of a randomly selected sample of households in JS (experimental) (n = 162) and JBM (control) (n = 186) were included. Standard methods were used to obtain household and care-giver particulars, weight and height measurements, blood and stool samples, and 24-hour dietary recalls.


RESULTS
Breast-feeding and dietary intake in the two areas were nearly similar; breast-feeding was continued for 12 months and longer. Although the children's total protein intake was sufficient, their energy intake was low. A low median intake of micronutrients prevailed, including iron, zinc, calcium, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine and vitamins C, B6, A and D. The prevalence of being underweight (JS = 19.8%; JBM = 18.8%), stunted (JS = 29%; JBM = 21. 5%) and wasted (JS = 6.5%; JBM = 3.7%) were fairly similar in both areas, as well as the prevalence of marginal vitamin A deficiency, anaemia, iron deficiency and parasite infestations. No significant associations could be found between household and nutritional status indicators, probably due to the small number of well-nourished children and the generally poor household situation of the participants.


CONCLUSIONS
The generally poor nutritional status and environmental conditions emphasize the urgency of intervention for these children.
Dannhauser
A
A
Department of Human Nutrition, University of the Orange Free State, PO Box 330, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa.
Bester
C
C
Joubert
G
G
Badenhorst
P
P
Slabber
M
M
Badenhorst
A
A
Du Toit
E
E
Barnard
H
H
Botha
P
P
Nogabe
L
L
D000886:Anthropometry; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017028:Caregivers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015362:Child Nutrition Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D002149:Energy Intake; D005190:Family; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D006798:Housing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012423:Rural Health; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology