Title:
Determining causes of and developing recommendations to address malnutrition in children under five years of age in Afghanistan
Authors:
Ghiasi, Homayoon
Year:
2013
PAGE:
ix, 67
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Keywords:
Malnutrition, under-fives, micronutrient deficiency, developing countries and Afghanistan
Abstract:
Background: Malnutrition is one of the crucial global issues particularly in developing countries. Only 20 countries contribute to 80% of the world undernourished children. In Afghanistan the prevalence of malnutrition in under-fives in form of stunting, underweight and wasting is 52; 25; and 14% respectively. Objective: To explore the causes of malnutrition in under-fives in order to provide policy makers and stakeholders with recommendations to improve levels of malnutrition in Afghanistan. Method: This is a descriptive study based on literature review. Result: Low exclusive breastfeeding rate, early initiation of complementary feeding with inadequate nutrients, high incidence of acute respiratory infections and diarrhea are the main immediate causes of malnutrition in under-fives in Afghanistan. Underlying factors such as low quality and quantity of food intake at the household level, low education level of women, poor health seeking behavior, and poor hygiene and sanitation of household and communities contributed to child malnutrition. The main basic factors are low income of household (36% of the population), insecurity and sociocultural norms such as gender violence, gender discrimination and traditional beliefs. Conclusion: Malnutrition with different manifestations and consequences is a major public health problem among under-fives who are the most vulnerable population in Afghanistan. Short and long term actions at the household, community and national levels including health and nutrition education, improving quality of healthcare services, provision of safe drinking water and sanitation, agriculture and micronutrient interventions, special attention to gender issues and vulnerable groups are required to change the current nutrition status of children and improve the health outcomes.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Department:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institue)
,
Development Policy & Practic
Country:
Afghanistan, Islamic Republic of
Region:
South Asia
Training:
Master of Public Health/International Course in Health Development (MPH/ICHD)
Category:
research
Right:
© 2013 Ghiasi
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
H2oNglDmvd_20170507142210783.pdf