Nutritional status of underfive Children in a Pastoral Community in Simanjiro District, Tanzania
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Date
2006
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tanzania Health Research Bulletin
Abstract
A study was conducted in Simanjiro district in northern Tanzania to determine the nutritional status of underfive
children in a pastoral community. Weight and height measurements were carried out on 250 children and that of mean
upper arm circumference (MUAC) on 226 children. The z-scores of weight-for-age, weight-for-height and height-for-age
indicated that 31.2% of the children were underweight and 6.0% were severely underweight. Wasting was observed in
17.2% children of whom 3.2% were severely wasted. Severely stunted children were 3.2% while 14% were moderately
stunted. Measurements of MUAC indicated that 35% and 3.5% of the children were moderately and severely undernourished,
respectively. The nutritional status of the children under study was slightly lower than the national average. In
conclusion, malnutrition in Simanjiro district is prevalent, and therefore, appropriate multidisciplinary approach on nutrition
education, environmental sanitation and hygienic practices at family and community level need to be promoted to
reduce childhood illnesses thereby increasing child health and nutritional status.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
nutrition, children, pastoral community, Tanzania