Malnutrition: prevalence and risk factors among the children younger than five years in a semi-urban area of Abidjan.
BACKGROUND
In Côte d'Ivoire, the prevalence of malnutrition among children younger than 5 years exceeded 5% in 2011 and was thus considered serious. This overall prevalence may nonetheless mask differences and specificities between regions and municipalities. This study sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors of malnutrition among children in this age group in a semi-urban area of Abidjan.


METHODS
This exhaustive, descriptive, cross-sectional survey took place from May 6 to July 31, 2010. The children's nutritional status was determined according to the WHO criteria. Univariate and multivariate analysis of factors associated with malnutrition (social and demographic characteristics, immunization status, children's eating practices, and household characteristics) were studied.


RESULTS
We visited 668 households and recruited 809 children. The prevalence of malnutrition was 22.5%. Multivariate analysis showed that the introduction of porridge after 6 months halved the risk of malnutrition. Risk tripled for children whose father's occupation did not guarantee a regular income.


CONCLUSIONS
Among the factors highlighted by this study, dietary practices seem the most amenable to corrective action. For example, the adoption of outreach programs by the Maternal and Child Protection services could improve nutritional practices in households.
Universite Felix Houphouët Boigny, Institut national d'hygiène publique, 22 BP 1306 Abidjan 22 Côte d'Ivoire.
J G
JG
Sackou Kouakou
Service de nutrition, Institut national d'hygiène publique, 22 BP 1306 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
B S
BS
Aka
UFR sciences pharmaceutiques et biologiques, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
A E
AE
Hounsa
UFR sciences pharmaceutiques et biologiques, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
R
R
Attia
École nationale de statistiques et d'économie, Côte d'Ivoire.
R
R
Wilson
Service de nutrition, Institut national d'hygiène publique, 22 BP 1306 Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
O
O
Ake
UFR sciences pharmaceutiques et biologiques, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
S
S
Oga
UFR sciences médicales de l'université Felix Houphouët Boigny, Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire.
Y
Y
Houenou
UFR sciences pharmaceutiques et biologiques, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
L
L
Kouadio
D002675:Child, Preschool; D007560:Cote d'Ivoire / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005220:Fathers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009790:Occupations; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013383:Suburban Population
Abidjan; Côte d’Ivoire; Malnutrition; children under five; risk factors