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Undernutrition before two years in Algeria: Repeated cross-sectional analyses (2012-13 to 2018-19)

Nagwa Farag Elmighrabi1,2,3, Catharine A K Fleming3,4, Kingsley E Agho3,4,5

  • 1Faculty of Public Health, Department of Nutrition, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Benghazi, 16063, Libya.

F1000Research
|November 3, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Childhood undernutrition in Algeria remains a concern, with stunting decreasing but wasting and underweight showing little change. Key factors like maternal BMI and education need addressing for better child nutrition outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Algeria faces persistent childhood undernutrition, with stunting affecting nearly 12% of children under five in 2022.
  • Despite progress, specific undernutrition indicators require continued focus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight in Algerian children aged 0-23 months.
  • To identify variables associated with these undernutrition indicators between 2013 and 2019.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized pooled data from Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) for 2012-13 and 2018-19.
  • Employed univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses to determine associations.

Main Results:

  • Stunting prevalence decreased significantly, while wasting and underweight showed no significant reductions.
  • Overall prevalence in 2019: stunting 10.1%, wasting 5.4%, underweight 3.6%.
  • Associated factors included child age, birth size, household wealth, maternal BMI, maternal education, and antenatal care (ANC) visits.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive, community-centered approach is crucial for long-term improvements in child nutrition.
  • Addressing high maternal BMI, low maternal education, and infrequent ANC visits is vital.
  • These interventions can help Algeria achieve the UN's malnutrition eradication goals.
Abstract

Keywords:
North AfricaStuntingunderweightwastingyoung children

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