In:
Public Health Nutrition, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 3, No. 3 ( 2000-09), p. 303-312
Abstract:
To determine the nutritional status and household resources of preschool children. Design A cross-sectional survey. Setting Two informal settlement areas, Joe Slovo (JS) and JB Mafora (JBM) in Mangaung, near Bloemfontein, South Africa. Subjects Preschool children ( 〈 72 months) of a randomly selected sample of households in JS (experimental) ( n = 162) and JBM (control) ( n = 186) were included. Standard methods were used to obtain household and care-giver particulars, weight and height measurements, blood and stool samples, and 24-hour dietary recalls. Results Breast-feeding and dietary intake in the two areas were nearly similar; breast-feeding was continued for 12 months and longer. Although the children's total protein intake was sufficient, their energy intake was low. A low median intake of micronutrients prevailed, including iron, zinc, calcium, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine and vitamins C, B 6 , A and D. The prevalence of being underweight (JS = 19.8%; JBM = 18.8%), stunted (JS = 29%; JBM = 21.5%) and wasted (JS = 6.5%; JBM = 3.7%) were fairly similar in both areas, as well as the prevalence of marginal vitamin A deficiency, anaemia, iron deficiency and parasite infestations. No significant associations could be found between household and nutritional status indicators, probably due to the small number of well-nourished children and the generally poor household situation of the participants. Conclusions The generally poor nutritional status and environmental conditions emphasize the urgency of intervention for these children.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1368-9800
,
1475-2727
DOI:
10.1017/S1368980000000343
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
2000
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2016337-X
SSG:
21
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