Dietary diversity and nutritional status of children from 24 months to 59 months old in the rural communities of central north region in Burkina Faso.

Abstract

In Burkina Faso, malnutrition is the most important risk factor for child mortality, especially in rural areas. Combating malnutrition is thus a key priority for state and non-governmental organizations. This study aims to determine the prevalence of various forms of malnutrition, in relation to childhood feeding practices in three villages of Pissila province. The study involved 200 children aged between 24 months to 59 months. Anthropometrics parameters were used to assess the forms of malnutrition. A semi quantitative questionnaire was administered to mothers to determine the frequency and nature of food consumption by children. The prevalence of all forms of malnutrition were high for all age groups. Wasting (40.6%) and underweight (45.5%) were the most prevalent. Almost 12.3% have both emaciation and stunting. The dietary diversity score was low with a mean of 2.5 while the food varieties score was 5.7. Only 11.7% of children consumed an animal product at least once a week. The non-timber forest products are the main source of minerals. This situation indicates a real public health problem in our rural communities. An integrated program to combat undernutrition in children is necessary to screen and detect children who have accumulated these forms of malnutrition.