Peer-reviewed article
Malnutrition among Pygmy children under five in Bafwasende (DRC), 2025: A cross-sectional study.
Nono Mangaza, Bernard Kennedy Nkongolo, Marie-Claire Muyer ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined malnutrition among Pygmy children under five in Bafwasende, Democratic Republic of Congo, using a cross-sectional survey of 455 children and their mothers. The research found very high rates of malnutrition: 28.4% with acute malnutrition, 69% with stunting, and 47.3% with underweight. Children from households with very low food spending, aged 6-11 months, and those with young, uneducated, or separated mothers were at highest risk. The authors call for culturally and socioeconomically adapted interventions for this indigenous population.
Key points
- 69% of Pygmy children under five in the study area have stunting
- 28.4% suffer from acute malnutrition (wasting)
- 47.3% are underweight
- Children aged 6-11 months and those from households spending less than 5,000 CDF on food are most vulnerable
- Maternal age, education, and marital status are associated with child malnutrition
Limitations
This is a cross-sectional study describing prevalence and associations only, so it cannot establish causation or identify what interventions would be effective. The study provides no comparison group or baseline data to assess trends over time.
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.