BackgroundMalnutrition and anemia are still major health problem in Sudan .This study aim to assess the magnitude of household food insecurity and its consequences on the nutritional status and anemia of children 6–60 months in north localities in Kassala State (Eastern Sudan) MethodWe administered a cross-sectional survey to 445 households in 16 villages. We used specially designed structured questionnaire. We measure household food insecurity by food consumption score (FCS)Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical package. Frequencies and Chi2 was performed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to develop the final model indicating the predictors of the outcome variable.ResultsFood insecurity and vulnerability for food insecurity was found in 181 (38.7%) of household .There was significant associations (P < 0.001) between household's food insecurity and income, household size, number of children, eating habits and avoidance of certain types of food. the overall prevalence of stunting , wasting and underweight was 52.1%, 35.6% and 53.9% respectively. The result showed that the relationship of nutrition status of children and HH food security was statistically insignificant although stunted and underweight were increased by 8% and 7% respectively in food insecure HH, though the prevalence of wasting was almost similar in food secure and insecure households. The study showed that 262 (76.4%) of children had HB level less than 11g/dL. Mild anemia was reported in only 9.3% while moderate and sever anemia in 34.4% , 32.7% respectively. This study revealed that there is negative association of HB level with HH food security (P<0.05). Among those who had normal HB level 30 (37%) were food insecure, whereas 51 (63%) where food secure in contrast to 195(75.6%) who had low level of HB were food secure. ConclusionAccording to the study findings, more attention is needed to improve household food security in the study area .Good eating habits can be achieved by designing education programs to improve knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to healthy eating and food preparation and overall, increasing household income through improving the farming methods, and finding the alternative sources of income. Other risk factors of malnutrition and anemia also should be corrected , such as improving maternal education, improving feeding practices regarding avoiding certain type of food and controlling childhood infections.
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