Peer-reviewed article
Determinants of Malnutrition Among Children Aged 0 to 59 months: A Study at the Bonassama District Hospital, Douala, Cameroon
Godfroy Rostant Pokam Djoko, Murielle Tsobgny Nguefack, Devis Sobnang ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5This study looked at malnutrition among children under five at a hospital in Douala, Cameroon. Researchers surveyed parents and measured children's nutritional status using WHO standards. About 18% of children were found to be malnourished. The study identified housing type, tenant status, past respiratory infections, and irregular use of health services as factors linked to malnutrition. Mothers' knowledge of food groups was not linked to malnutrition risk.
Key points
- 82.2% of children had normal nutritional status; 17.8% were malnourished.
- Living in a modern house was associated with higher odds of malnutrition (AOR = 2.10).
- Being a tenant (renting) was associated with higher odds of malnutrition (AOR = 3.01).
- History of respiratory infection was linked to malnutrition (AOR = 2.12).
- Occasional use of health services increased malnutrition risk (AOR = 2.23), while mothers' nutrition knowledge was not significant.
Limitations
The cross-sectional design cannot show cause and effect, and findings are limited to one hospital in Douala, so they may not apply elsewhere.
Abstract
Malnutrition is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality, affecting children’s growth and development. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with malnutrition among children aged 0 to 59 months at Bonassama District Hospital in Douala. A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2025 to April 2026 among children aged 0 to 59 months seen in the pediatrics and immunization units. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered to parents. Nutritional status was assessed according to WHO standards, and associated factors were identified through multivariate analysis. Among the children studied, 82.2% had normal nutritional status and 17.8% were malnourished. After adjustment, the factors significantly associated with malnutrition were type of housing (modern house: AOR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.03–4.01; p = 0.044), tenant status (AOR = 3.01; 95% CI: 1.53–6.78; p < 0.001), history of respiratory infection (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.20–5.35; p = 0.019), and occasional use of health services (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.05–5.21; p = 0.030). Mothers’ knowledge of essential food groups was not significantly associated with malnutrition. Malnutrition remains a significant problem among children under five years of age in Bonassama. Prevention strategies should incorporate health, socioeconomic, and environmental factors to improve screening and management of at-risk children.