Baseline assessment for addressing acute malnutrition by public-health staff in Cambodia.
The objective of this study was to formulate appropriate responses by the public-health sector to reduce acute malnutrition among children in Cambodia. A cross-sectional survey to identify wasting together with a simple wealth-ranking exercise was conducted. Thereafter, separate focus-group discussions were also conducted with mothers of malnourished and non-malnourished children, who belonged to the poorest strata, to identify coping mechanisms and to assess feeding and hygiene practices. There was no statistical correlation between wasting and socioseconomic status (df=3, p=0.06). Reported feeding practices were poor, including not giving of colostrum, too early introduction of weaning, low feeding frequency, and late introduction of nutritious foods. Healthcare-seeking behaviour appeared inadequate, and hand-washing with soap was not practised. Acute malnutrition was mainly related to these factors rather than to food insecurity. An education campaign in tandem with peer-counselling would be the most appropriate option.
Jacobs
Bart
B
Enfants&Développement, PO Box 882, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. kirivongbhsp@online.com.kh
Roberts
Emma
E
D000208:Acute Disease; D002160:Cambodia / Q000453:epidemiology; D015362:Child Nutrition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D007223:Infant; D007224:Infant Care; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D008297:Male; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D011203:Poverty; D011634:Public Health; D012923:Social Class