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Assessment of the Nutritional Status, Diet and Intestinal Parasites in Hosted Saharawi Children
Mónica Gozalbo1, Marisa Guillen2, Silvia Taroncher-Ferrer3
1Area of Nutrition and Bromatology, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain.
Insights
Saharawi children hosted in Spain show high rates of malnutrition and parasitic infections, indicating precarious living conditions in refugee camps. Interventions focusing on nutrition, hygiene, and education are crucial for their health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Spanish humanitarian efforts host Saharawi children from Tindouf refugee camps.
- These children face significant health challenges due to poor living conditions, including inadequate food, water, hygiene, and healthcare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze anthropometric, nutritional, and parasitological data of Saharawi children.
- To assess biochemical alterations, lactose malabsorption, and celiac disease risk in this population.
Main Methods:
- Study included 38 Saharawi children (10-13 years old) hosted in Valencia.
- Data collected included anthropometric measurements, nutritional status, parasitological examination, and biochemical tests.
Main Results:
- Malnutrition and multiparasitism were highly prevalent among the children.
- Biochemical alterations, lactose malabsorption, and potential celiac disease were identified, complicating nutritional recovery.
Conclusions:
- Living conditions in Saharawi refugee camps remain precarious, impacting children's health.
- Sustainable feeding alternatives, improved hygiene, and targeted education for parents and children are recommended.
Abstract:
Since the early 1990s, Spanish humanitarian associations have welcomed Saharawi children from the refugee camps in Tindouf (Argelia). These children are the most affected by the lack of food, water, hygienic measures and health care. The main objective of this study was to analyze the anthropometric, nutritional and parasitological data of 38 Saharawi boys and girls (from 10 to 13 years old) under a holiday host program in the city of Valencia. Our results confirm that malnutrition and multiparasitism are highly frequent, so it is understood that living conditions in refugee camps continue to be precarious with a lack of proper hygiene and nutrition. Furthermore, biochemical alterations, lactose malabsorption and the risk of celiac disease, also detected in our study as a secondary objective, will complicate nutritional management and restoration of health. For this reason, sustainable feeding alternatives and interventions from a hygienic and nutritional point of view are proposed, emphasizing in an improvement in the education of parents and children.
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