The Burden of Undernutrition and Its Associated Factors Among Children Below 5 Years of Age in Bambao Region, Comoros

Abstract

BackgroundUndernutrition remains a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries and Comoros is no exception. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and identify the risk factors of undernutrition among children under-five years in Bambao region, Comoros.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Bambao region among 837 under-five years and their caregivers. Analyses were conducted using both descriptive and logistic regression to examine the magnitude and factors associated with stunting, wasting and underweight.ResultsPrevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight were 21.6, 13.7, and 13.6% respectively. Factors associated with stunting were caregiver's secondary education level compared to no education (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.04–3.43, P < 0.04), age of child between 13–24 months compared to 0–12 months (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.44–5.01, P < 0.001), and food insecurity (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.20–5.41, P < 0.02). Children aged 25–59 months were 78% less likely to have wasting compared to those with 0–12 months (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.10–0.51, P < 0.001). Wasting was also associated with food insecurity (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.12–6.49, P < 0.03), and low birthweight (AOR = 3.21, 95% CI: 1.73–5.94, P < 0.001). Children aged between 25–59 months were 86% less likely to have underweight compared to those aged 0–12 months (AOR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.06–0.36, P < 0.001). Food insecurity (AOR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.08–6.54, P < 0.03), low birthweight (AOR = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.67–5.93, P < 0.001), and non-exclusively breastfeeding (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.15–4.90, P < 0.02) were also associated with underweight.ConclusionMore than one in five children under-five is stunted in Bambao region, Comoros. Moreover, more than 13% are underweight or wasted calling for streamlined efforts to address poor feeding practices, food insecurity, low birthweight, and socio-demographic disadvantages in this and other areas with similar context.

Peran Ayah terhadap Kejadian Stunting pada Balita di Perdesaan

“…As fathers age, there is a possibility that food security will decrease due to increasing needs, especially in households with a low economic level 52,53 . This decrease in food security can increase the risk of children under five becoming stunted 13,[54][55][56] . However, as in research conducted in Indonesia 57,58 and Bangladesh 21 , stunting was not related to the father's age in this study (p = 0.429).…”

Hubungan antara Pendapatan, Penyakit Infeksi dan Pola Makan terhadap Kejadian Gizi Kurang pada Balita

“…Beberapa penelitian sebelumnya sudah membuktikan hubungan antara ketersediaan makanan dengan status gizi anak, salah satunya adalah penelitian Ahamada dan Sunguya tahun 2022. 18 Penelitian tersebut mengidentifikasi bahwa ketersediaan makanan tidak adekuat berisiko 2,65 kali untuk menyebabkan terjadinya permasalahan gizi kurang pada balita dibandingkan ketersediaan makanan yang adekuat dalam keluarga. Hasil temuan ini juga didukung oleh studi sebelumnya yang menemukan keterkaitan antara pendapatan keluarga rendah dengan pola makan keluarga yang tidak baik.…”

Common factors influencing childhood undernutrition and their comparison between Sylhet, the most vulnerable region, and other parts of Bangladesh: Evidence from BDHS 2007–18 rounds

“…These encompass direct factors such as poor dietary habits and illness ( 5 ); lack of food security and inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene commodities ( 6 ); insufficient access to health services ( 7 ) and overarching social factors like poverty with economic and demographic disadvantages ( 8 ). All these elements vary between and within countries, which requires context-specific research to develop interventions supported by evidence ( 9 ).…”