Prevalence and associated factors of undernutrition among under five children in the conflict-affected Northwest Region of Cameroon: a community-based cross-sectional study

Author:

Ndohtabi Jerry Eyong1,Navti Lifoter Kenneth1,Atanga Mary Bi Suh1,Nji Kah Emmanuel2,Meriki Henry Dilonga2

Affiliation:

1. The University of Bamenda

2. University of Buea

Abstract

Abstract Background Undernutrition poses a significant public health threat, particularly in conflict-affected regions such as the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Recent data on this disease burden are sparse. Updated data are valuable for informing targeted interventions and improving child health outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of undernutrition. Methods This community-based cross-sectional analysis included 1279 children (aged 6–59 months) from six health districts. Anthropometric measurements were carried out, and other data were collected through interviews. Z scores of anthropometric variables were calculated using WHO Anthro software, and the proportion of undernourished children was determined. Associations between variables were tested using the chi-square test and logistic regression at p < 0.05. Results The prevalence of undernutrition was 36.1% (95% CI: 33.5–38.8). These included stunting (31.2%), underweight (6.3%) and wasting (5.1%). Male children were nearly twice as likely as female children to be undernourished (OR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.47–2.52), and children aged 6–11 months had the highest risk (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.78–3.45) compared to their counterparts. The independent factors associated with an increased risk of undernutrition in children included higher birth order from third or later born (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.42–2.68), non-enrollment in school (OR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.56–4.41), incomplete vaccination (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.17–2.50), history of worm infections (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.65–3.18), recent antibiotic use (OR: 3.31, 95% CI: 1.90–5.76), recent diarrhea (OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.20–5.18) and recent vomiting (OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.20–5.18). Conclusions The prevalence of undernutrition was 36.1%. The risk factors identified were the sex of the child, age group, birth order, school enrollment, incomplete vaccination status, history of worm infections, antibiotic use, recent diarrhea and recent vomiting. This information can be used to develop context-specific strategies and interventions that are required to improve the nutritional status of children.

Publisher

Research Square Platform LLC

Reference37 articles.

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3. de la Statistique/INS. ICF. Republic of cameroon Demographic and health Survey 2018. 2020 Feb 1 [cited 2023 Apr 23]; Available from: https://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-fr360-dhs-final-reports.cfm.

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