Undernutrition and associated factors in primary schoolchildren in Lokossa, Benin: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of stunting and thinness and sociodemographic, household, family, dietary, and scholar associated factors in schoolchildren living in Lokossa-Benin. Methods: a survey conducted in a probabilistic sample (n=615) of primary schoolchildren (8-17 years), from 12/2018 to 01/2019, using structured questionnaire and 24-hour dietary recall. Thinness and stunting were defined as Height-for-age and Body Mass Index-for-age below-2 standard deviations, respectively. Associations were estimated by chi-square test and logistic regression. Results: thinness and stunting prevalence was 13.1% (95%CI:9.0-18.7) and 25.5% (95%CI:20.6-31.2), respectively. Odds of thinness were higher among older schoolchildren and those who experienced hunger at school. Odds of stunting increased with age, low diet diversity, experiencing hunger at school, and having school meal five days a week (OR:2.09; 95%CI:1.29-3.36). Conclusions: stunting was the most common problem. Older schoolchildren and those with food deprivation or poor diet diversity were the most affected.

Dietary diversity and associated factors among school-aged children and adolescents in Lokossa district of southern Benin: a cross-sectional study

“…In 2017, in Benin, a National Integrated School Feeding Programme was implemented in areas related to food insecurity, including schools located in rural areas. 32 According to our study, however, it appears that this programme remains of limited reach, as only 6% of schoolchildren and adolescents reported eating school meals.…”

“…In this regard, reverse causality appears as the most likely explanation for the strong association between school meals for 5 days a week and inadequate dietary diversity. In 2017, in Benin, a National Integrated School Feeding Programme was implemented in areas related to food insecurity, including schools located in rural areas 32. According to our study, however, it appears that this programme remains of limited reach, as only 6% of schoolchildren and adolescents reported eating school meals.…”

“…Expanding school-feeding programmes is imperative to reach all vulnerable schoolchildren and adolescents, and prevent undernutrition—one of the highest prevalence rates in the country. 32 Evidence indicates that School Feeding Programme provides school meals, which can have important short-term and long-term health implications for schoolchildren and adolescents, including promoting optimal growth and cognitive development and reducing the risk of food insecurity. 48 In addition to reducing undernutrition, school feeding may also improve school enrolment, drop-out and attendance.…”

“…Data were collected by trained and certified undergraduate nutritional science students. Instruments used in research conducted in Benin, Brazil and Burkina Faso were used to construct the structured questionnaire in this study 32. The questionnaire developed was adapted considering the language and cultural context of Benin and the participants’ education level.…”

“…Instruments used in research conducted in Benin, Brazil and Burkina Faso were used to construct the structured questionnaire in this study. 32 The questionnaire developed was adapted considering the language and cultural context of Benin and the participants’ education level. The questionnaire was translated into French by a native researcher (HS) and revised by a French senior researcher (NK).…”