The study identified the risk factors associated with stunting among 24-35 months indigenous children in Pinukpuk, Kalinga using case control design; 174 children (87 cases and 87 controls) were randomly selected and information were collected through interview and anthropometric measurements. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used to measure association. Low birth weight, child drinking brewed or commercial coffee, no nutrient supplement intake since birth, and incomplete immunization were child risk factors of stunting. Exclusive breastfeeding from 0-6 months and weaning at >12 months have protective effect. Antenatal visits <4 times, father's height <5 feet, parent's education below secondary level were parental risk factors. Nuclear household and size of less than five members have protective effect against stunting. Having food restrictions among lactating mothers was cultural risk factors. Mothers' insufficient knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding, frequency of and proper way of breastfeeding, continuance of breastfeeding beyond 6 months, benefit of exclusive breastfeeding for six months to mothers and low self-confidence in preparing complementary food were all associated with stunting. Mother's positive attitude on benefits of frequent feeding was found to have protective effect against stunting. Thus, these family factors could be used when designing an action plan to address the problem of stunting among the indigenous Kalinga children.

Introduction: There is a dearth of public health and nutrition information available pertaining to the indigenous groups in the Philippines. Hence, this study described the prevalences of stunting and zinc deficiency, as well as factors associated with zinc status of 3-5 years old children among the Kankana-ey people, an indigenous group living in Kibungan, Benguet, Philippines. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used in the conduct of the study where 63 study participants were randomly selected from a chronological list of names of eligible Kankana-ey children by drawing lots. The mothers/primary caregivers of these children were interviewed to collect their socio-economic and demographic data, and dietary intake was assessed through three non-consecutive days 24-hour food recall. Height and weight of the children were also measured to determine their nutritional status. Lastly, blood samples were collected to determine the zinc status of the children based on serum zinc concentration, analysed through atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: Results showed that 54.0% and 50.8% of the Kankana-ey children had stunting and zinc deficiency, respectively. There was significant positive association between being exclusively breastfed and current zinc status (p=0.001). On the other hand, a statistically significant negative correlation was observed between zinc intake and zinc serum concentration (r=-0.291, p=0.021). Conclusion: Undernutrition among Kankana-ey children is a major public health concern in Kibungan, Benguet. Preventive actions must be taken to alleviate the severity of both stunting and zinc deficiency, and to mitigate possible consequences by strengthening the current nutrition and health programmes for indigenous groups, especially among young children.

Aims: To assess the nutritional and health status, and compliance with treatment and health services of adult people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) attending Liberian Government Hospital (LGH). Study Design:  Cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: LGH, Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, 2018 Methodology: The survey was conducted among 90 adults PLWHA. Results: The majority had acute HIV infection, and tuberculosis and herpes zoster were the most contracted opportunistic infections. Although the majority had normal nutritional status, malnutrition was still observed especially among the women. Most had poor diet diversity and claimed to have faced challenges, mainly monetary concerns, while some experienced other traumatic events. A few also showed indications of self-harm. Moreover, they generally have a good health condition and medication adherence and demonstrated substantial knowledge about the disease and its treatment. Compliance was found to be associated with the health status of the participants, but not with their nutrition status, socio-economic and other characteristics. Conclusion: The results provide an insight into the nutritional status and compliance of the adult PLWHA in Liberia. It is hoped that this study would be useful in crafting and enhancing existing intervention programs and policies promoting the better quality of life of adult PLWHA in the country.