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. 2024 Aug 1;42(3):231-239.
doi: 10.1159/000540091. eCollection 2024 Dec.

Wasting and Its Associated Nutritional and Non-Nutritional Factors among Under-Five Children in Marrakesh Province, Morocco

Soufiane El Moussaoui  1   2   3 , Kamal Kaoutar  1 , Ahmed Chetoui  1 , Keltoum Boutahar  1 , Abdeslam El Kardoudi  1 , Mohamed Najimi  1 , Mounir Bourrous  2   3 , Fatiha Chigr  1
Affiliations

Wasting and Its Associated Nutritional and Non-Nutritional Factors among Under-Five Children in Marrakesh Province, Morocco

Soufiane El Moussaoui et al. Port J Public Health. .

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Introduction: Malnutrition is the most common nutritional disorder in developing countries and it remains one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among children worldwide. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the prevalence of wasting and its associated factors among under-five children in Marrakesh province in Morocco.

Method: A community-based cross-sectional study design was used to determine the prevalence of wasting and its associated factors among under-5 years old children. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 430 children paired with their mothers. Anthropometric measurements and determinant factors were collected. SPSS version 19.0 statistical software was used for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated to the wasting of the children. Statistical association was declared significant if p value was less than0.05.

Results: In this study, the prevalence of wasting was 9.3%. The proportions of severe and moderate wasting children were 6.5% and 2.8%, respectively. Higher odds of wasting children among illiterate mothers were 17 times more likely compared with mothers with high levels (ORa = 17.17; 95% CI: 1.01-13.70). In line with this, the odds of wasting children among lower household incomes were 13 times more likely when compared to those with higher household incomes (ORa = 13.114; 95% CI: 1.13-7.60). Similarly, the odds of wasting children among mothers primiparous were 12 times more likely compared with multiparous (ORa = 12.88; 95% CI: 1.04-4.08). The odds of wasting children were more observed among children who did not benefit from exclusive breastfeeding (ORa = 12.297; 95% CI: 2.47-13.03, 1.03-5.34).

Conclusions: The current study showed that the prevalence of wasting among under-five children in Marrakesh province was relatively common. Mother's education level, household income, parity, and exclusive breastfeeding were significantly associated with wasting. Therefore, nutritional educational intervention programs in Marrakesh province should focus on these factors.

Introdução: A malnutrição aguda é o distúrbio nutricional mais comum nos países em desenvolvimento e continua a ser uma das principais causas de morbidade e mortalidade entre crianças em todo o mundo. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de desnutrição e os fatores associados entre crianças menores de cinco anos na província de Marrakech, no Marrocos.

Método: Foi efetuado um desenho de estudo transversal comunitário para determinar a prevalência de malnutrição aguda e os fatores associados entre crianças menores de cinco anos. Utilizou-se um questionário estruturado para recolher dados de 430 crianças, juntamente com as mães. Foram obtidas medidas antropométricas e identificados os fatores determinantes. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando o software SPSS versão 19.0. Para identificar os fatores associados à malnutrição aguda infantil, foi conduzida uma análise de regressão logística multivariada. A associação estatística foi considerada significativa quando o valor de p foi inferior a 0,05.

Resultados: Neste estudo, a prevalência de malnutrição aguda foi de 9,3%. As proporções de crianças com malnutrição severa e moderada foram de 6,5% e 2,8%, respectivamente. A ocorrência de malnutrição severa entre filhos de mães analfabetas foi 17 vezes mais propensas em comparação com mães com maior nível de escolaridade (ORa = 17,17; IC 95%: (1,01-13,70)). Em consonância com isso, as probabilidades de desnutrição infantil entre crianças com rendimentos familiares mais baixos eram 13 vezes superiores quando comparadas com aquelas com rendimentos familiares mais elevados (ORa = 13,114; IC 95%: (1,13-7,60)). Da mesma forma, a ocorrência de desnutrição dos filhos entre mães primíparas foi 12 vezes superior em comparação com as multíparas (ORa = 12,88; IC 95%: (1,04-4,08)). A probabilidade de desnutição infantil foi mais observada entre as crianças que não se beneficiaram do aleitamento materno exclusivo (ORa = 12,297); IC 95%: (2,47-13,03)). 1.03-5.34)).

Conclusão: O estudo atual mostrou que a prevalência de malnutrição severa entre crianças menores de cinco anos na província de Marrakech era relativamente comum. O nível educacional da mãe, a renda familiar, a paridade e a amamentação exclusiva foram significativamente associados à malnutrição. Portanto, o programa de intervenção educacional nutricional na província de Marrakech deve concentrar-se nesses fatores.

Keywords: Marrakesh; Morocco; Predictive factors; Under-five children; Wasting.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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