Malnutrition among Pygmy children under five in Bafwasende (DRC), 2025: A cross-sectional study
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Abstract
Introduction: Malnutrition remains a major public health issue in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly affecting marginalized indigenous populations. Socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors contribute to their vulnerability. This study aims to identify factors associated with malnutrition among Pygmy children under five years of age in the Bafwasende territory.
Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among children and their mothers/caregivers in Bafwasende, Tshopo province. Data were collected using KoboCollect and analyzed with SPSS. Nutritional status was assessed using WHO Anthro Z-Scores to evaluate underweight, stunting, and wasting. Descriptive statistics were applied, with absolute and relative frequencies used for categorical variables.
Results: Among 455 children, 28,4% suffer from acute malnutrition(wasting), 69,0% have stunting, and 47,3% have underweight. Children from low-food consumption households, with food expenditures of less than 5,000 CDF, as well as those aged 6 to 11 months, are most at risk. Malnutrition is also more common among children of very young, uneducated, or separated mothers.
Conclusion: The study highlights an alarming situation, requiring targeted interventions adapted to the cultural and socio-economic realities of indigenous peoples to improve their health and nutrition.
Keywords:
Malnutrition, Prevalence, Pygmy children, Nutritional status, Tshopo Province##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.details##
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