Nutritional Status of Children in the Lao PDR

Abstract

The results of the first nationally representative survey of nutritional status of children in the Lao PDR, focusing on the assessment of protein-energy malnutrition are described. Among children under 5 years of age, the prevalence of stunting (children of short stature, below -2 Z-scores height-for-age) is 48 per cent, which is classified by WHO as a 'very high' prevalence, greater than the average of developing countries in the world and in South-East Asia. The prevalence of wasting (children too thin, below -2 Z-scores weight-for-height) is 10 per cent, also 'very high', and slightly greater than the average of South-East Asian children. The prevalence of children underweight (below -2 Z-scores weight-for-age) is 44 per cent, again 'very high' and significantly greater than the average of developing countries in the world and in South-East Asia. Significant differences are observed in the prevalence of both stunting and wasting when comparing subgroups of children: urban children are less stunted and wasted than rural children, children of the lowland majority less than children of ethnic minorities, and children whose mothers had completed primary education less than children whose mothers had never been to school. Girls are less malnourished than boys, but not significantly so. Similar prevalences of stunted and underweight children are noted when comparing with the results of a national survey made in the Lao PDR 10 years ago, although the sampling was not the same.

Individual and contextual factors associated with childhood stunting in Nigeria: a multilevel analysis

“…Comparing these two studies, one would see that not much has changed in the trend and it should be obvious that stunting in the under-fives in Nigeria is still a major problem needing solution. From studies carried out internationally, it is evident that childhood stunting is linked to a number of environmental and socioeconomic factors such as poverty (Madzingira 1995;Phimmasone et al 1996;Hong et al 2006; Van de Poel et al 2007). Having access to health care services was also found to be significant in determining nutritional status of children as the children who did not have access to health care facilities suffered mostly from childhood stunting (Muhe et al 1996; Van de Poel et al 2007;Monteiro et al 2009).…”

Socioeconomic Determinants of Nutritional Status of Children in Lao PDR: Effects of Household and Community Factors

“…A proper understanding of the causes of childhood undernutrition assists policy-makers in designing effective strategies which trigger better gains in child health and a further reduction in child mortality. Nonetheless, there exists quite a limited number of studies which investigate the patterns and causes of undernutrition in Laos (9-10). For instance, in 2007, Phengxay et al .…”

Thiamin deficiency and uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Laos

“…The Lao PDR (Laos) is currently changing uncomplicated falciparum malaria treatment policy from chloroquine, which has very poor efficacy, to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) (Mayxay et al 2004). Malnutrition is also a major public health problem in Laos (Phimmasone et al 1996) and there is evidence that micronutrient deficiencies and malnutrition increase the burden of malaria morbidity and mortality (Caulfield et al 2004).…”