Acute malnutrition among under-five children in Faryab, Afghanistan: prevalence and causes

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Acute malnutrition (wasting) impacts over 50 million children under five globally, contributing to 8.0% of annual child deaths.
• In Afghanistan, the prevalence of wasting among under-five children was 9.5% nationally and 3.7% in Faryab province in 2013.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and identify the key factors contributing to acute malnutrition among under-five children in Faryab, Afghanistan.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for interventions to combat childhood malnutrition in the region.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 600 households in Faryab, Afghanistan.
• Data collected on child anthropometrics (weight-for-height Z-score), household demographics, socioeconomic status, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions, and child health history.
• Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with acute malnutrition.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of acute malnutrition (wasting) was found to be 35.0% (210/600) among under-five children.
• Significant associations with acute malnutrition included lower parental education, younger parental age, lower household income, younger child age, recent diarrhea, infrequent feeding, unsafe water sources, and poor WASH conditions.
• Conversely, the use of iodized salt showed a protective association (OR=0.59).

Conclusions:

• Parental education, household income, and improved WASH conditions are critical determinants in reducing the prevalence of wasting among under-five children.
• Interventions should focus on enhancing socioeconomic factors, improving water and sanitation infrastructure, promoting better hygiene practices, and ensuring adequate child feeding and healthcare.