Abstract
To analyze the nutritional status of schoolchildren from Bumbire Island (Tanzania) from cross-sectional and longitudinal perspectives. During 2014 and 2015, we collected anthropometric measurements in a sample of 437 schoolchildren (226 males, 211 females; 5-16 years). A sub-sample of 126 children were measured in both surveys. Socio-demographic data have been taken and dietary habits investigated. The accuracy of age data was checked. Malnutrition prevalence was calculated according to the WHO references and the z-score criteria. The prevalence of undernutrition was high (stunting: 30.7%; underweight: 12.9%; thinness: 4.5%), while overweight was rare (2.4%). The prevalence of stunting was higher in males and in older children. The one-year longitudinal analysis indicated that stunting prevalence increased. Undernutrition is affecting Bumbire Island children, likely due to micronutrient deficiencies. The effects of linear growth deficit continue to accumulate throughout childhood and adolescent years.
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Schedule a callMore From: American journal of human biology : the official journal of the Human Biology Council
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