Risk factors for protein-energy malnutrition in children under 5 years: study from Luangprabang province, Laos.
BACKGROUND
Laos is one of the poorest countries in which chronic malnutrition is highest. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of and to identify risk factors associated with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in children under 5 years of age in Luangprabang province, Laos.


METHODS
This cross-sectional study was undertaken from March to May 2004. Anthropometric measurements of 798 children were done and data were transformed into height-for-age, weight-for-age and weight-for-height ratios. Mothers were also interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire. Anthropometric data were entered into Nutstat in Epi-Info 2000 and transferred to SPSS for analysis.


RESULTS
There was a high prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting, that is, 54.6%, 35%, and 6% respectively. It was also noted that children aged 12-23 months and Khmu ethnic children had a higher prevalence of stunting (65% and 66%) and underweight (45% and 40%), respectively. However, it was also found that boys were more prone to be stunted and underweight. Furthermore, restricted intake of meats, vegetables during illness, and low maternal education were main risk factors for child malnutrition in the study area.


CONCLUSIONS
Socioeconomic-demographic factors, low maternal education, poor nutrition knowledge for mother and feeding practices for sick children are affecting children's health regarding stunting and underweight. It is recommended that an improvement in societal infrastructure, better maternal education and nutrition are needed to address the child malnutrition issue.
Phengxay
Manilay
M
Department of Developmental Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Ali
Moazzam
M
Yagyu
Fumihiro
F
Soulivanh
Phengxay
P
Kuroiwa
Chushi
C
Ushijima
Hiroshi
H
D000886:Anthropometry; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007812:Laos / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors