Nutritional status and factors related to malnutrition of children under 5 years old in two poor communes in Sin Ho district, Lai Chau province in 2023

Abstract

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 838 children under 5 years old and their caregivers in 2 poor communes in Sin Ho district, Lai Chau province in 2023. Research results show that the rate of malnutrition in children under 5 years old is still high and has serious public health significance, stunting and underweight account for 61.9% and 21.3%. The rate of malnutrition in children tends to increase with age in all forms. Factors related to malnutrition in children under 5 years old include: mother’s education level; economic classification of the household; number of prenatal visits during pregnancy; Correct timing of complementary feeding and history of respiratory infections in children. The results show that appropriate interventions are needed to reduce malnutrition and disease in these children.