Malnutrition of children in Sikasso (Mali): prevalence and socio-economic determinants
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P Bouvier1, J P Papart, P Wanner
1Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva.
Background:
Malnutrition of children is a major public health problem in many African countries. Despite a relatively favourable geographical situation, the prevalence of malnutrition is high in the Sikasso region (Mali).
Methods:
Survey repeated annually during 5 years, to a sample of 491 families living in Sikasso. The determinants of wasting and stunting were analysed using logistic regression.
Results:
The prevalence of stunting was about 25%. Prevalence of wasting was about 12%, which is very high, and had been increasing in the past years. No strong associations with socio-economic factors were observed for wasting. Stunting was strongly associated with the education level of both parents, and with the family assets.