Diversifying Staple Foods to Address Protein-Energy Malnutrition Among Children Aged 2-5 Years in Gushiegu District
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3923/pjn.2020.524.528Keywords:
Children health, malnutrition, protein, staple foods, stuntingAbstract
Background and Objective: Good nutrition is the foundation of a child's growth and survival. Adequate growth is an essential indicator of nutritional status and health in children aged 2-5 years. Diversification of dietary staples is associated with household or individual food availability and the consumption of different food nutrients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of dietary diversity to address protein-energy malnutrition among children aged 2-5 years in Gushiegu District. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. A total of 80 caregivers and 80 children from Gushiegu District were randomly selected. Data was collected using a pre-tested semi-structured food frequency questionnaire. The nutritional status of the children was assessed using anthropometric indices. Results: Based on the results, in the study setting, the stunting prevalence was 11.2%, underweight was 6.5% and thinness was 3.7%. Conclusion: Mothers fed children with a variety of foodstuff but to improve child feeding practices they should be educated by healthcare staff in the community.
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