title: Parasite and maternal risk factors for malnutrition in preschool-age children in Belen, Peru using the new WHO Child Growth Standards.
abstract: Child malnutrition, including wasting, underweight and stunting, is associated with infections, poor nutrient intake, and environmental and socio-demographic factors. Preschool-age children are especially vulnerable due to their high growth requirements. To target interventions for preschool-age children in a community of extreme poverty in Peru, we conducted a household survey between October 2005 and January 2006 to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and its risk factors. Of 252 children < 5 years old, the prevalence of wasting, underweight and stunting was 26.6, 28.6 and 32.1 %, respectively, based on the new WHO Child Growth Standards. Risk factors for wasting were: (1) moderate-high intensity Trichuris infection (OR 2.50; 95 % CI 1.06, 5.93); (2) hookworm infection (OR 6.67; 95 % CI 1.08, 41.05); (3) age (OR6-month 1.27; 95 % CI 1.11, 1.46); (4) maternal education (secondary incomplete) (OR 5.77; 95 % CI 2.38, 13.99); and (5) decreasing maternal BMI (OR1 kg/m2 1.12; 95 % CI 1.02, 1.23). Risk factors for underweight were: (1) moderate-high intensity Trichuris infection (OR 4.74; 95 % CI 1.99, 11.32); (2) age (OR6-month 1.22; 95 % CI 1.07, 1.38); (3) maternal education (secondary incomplete) (OR 2.92; 95 % CI 1.40, 6.12); and (4) decreasing maternal BMI (OR1 kg/m2 1.11; 95 % CI 1.02, 1.21). Risk factors for stunting were: (1) age (OR6-month 1.14; 95 % CI 1.02, 1.27) and (2) decreasing maternal height (OR1 cm 1.12; 95 % CI 1.06, 1.20). Overall, risk factors for malnutrition included both child and maternal determinants. Based on these data, locally appropriate and cost-effective dietary, de-worming and educational programmes should be targeted to mothers and preschool-age children.
authors.affiliation: Asociación Civil Selva Amazónica, Urbanización Jardin 27, Iquitos, Peru.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Casapía
authors.forename: Serene A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Núñez
authors.forename: Elham
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rahme
authors.forename: Theresa W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Gyorkos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015362:Child Nutrition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003906:Developing Countries; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D006725:Hookworm Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010568:Peru; D011203:Poverty; D015995:Prevalence; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000150:complications; D012424:Rural Population; D014257:Trichuriasis / Q000150:complications*; D014258:Trichuris