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Growth patterns of children in Lagaip, Enga Province
Insights
A 1979 nutrition survey in Enga Province found 37% of children under 5 were malnourished, primarily due to stunting. Wasting affected younger children, with significant links between illness and poor nutritional status.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Public Health
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Child malnutrition is a significant public health concern in highland populations.
- Previous nutritional assessments in similar regions provide a comparative baseline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the nutritional status of children under 5 years in the Lagaip area of Enga Province.
- To identify patterns of malnutrition, including stunting and wasting.
- To explore associations between morbidity and nutritional status.
Main Methods:
- A nutrition survey conducted in 1979.
- Examination of 1,739 children under 5 years of age.
- Assessment of nutritional status using weight-related indices and anthropometric measurements.
Main Results:
- 37% of children were classified as malnourished, predominantly due to stunting.
- Stunting was more prevalent than wasting across the surveyed population.
- Children under 2 years old were more likely to be classified as wasted.
- Significant associations were observed between reported morbidity and nutritional status.
Conclusions:
- Child growth patterns in Lagaip align with other highland populations.
- Stunting is the primary form of malnutrition in this cohort.
- Early childhood and illness are critical factors influencing nutritional outcomes.
Abstract:
A nutrition survey was conducted in 1979 in the Lagaip area of Enga Province. On examining 1,739 children under 5 years., it was found that the pattern of their growth was similar to that reported in other highland populations. The high proportion (37%) of the children classified as malnourished results from stunting, not wasting. Most of the children classified as wasted were less than 2 years old. Significant associations were found between reported morbidity and nutritional status when the latter was assessed by weight related indices.