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A Review of Selected Studies on the Factors Associated with the Nutrition Status of Children Under the Age of Five Years in South Africa

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  • Mbalenhle Mkhize

    (Department of Agriculture, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa)

  • Melusi Sibanda

    (Department of Agriculture, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa)

Abstract

Malnutrition is a considerable contributor to child mortality and morbidity. Child malnutrition further affects the country’s economic development. Child malnutrition in South Africa is persistent, continuing to be an alarming burden. The nutritional status of kids under the age of five years is a critical indicator of the country’s economic condition and health status. An understanding of the influencers of the nutritional status of children can act as a catalyst in combatting all forms of malnutrition. The purpose of this paper was to review selected studies concerning the factors that affect the nutritional status of children in South Africa. Studies were selected from electronic databases, which were PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Sabinet African Journals, and the University of Zululand library catalog. The keywords that were used to search studies and articles from the selected database were: risk factors, child nutritional status, children under the age of five years, South Africa, malnutrition, underweight, stunted, wasting, and over-nutrition. Studies and surveys published from 2010–2019 that reported on the factors influencing the nutritional status of children under the age of five years were included in this review. Twenty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria of the study. The 27 articles were made up of 21 cross-sectional articles and six longitudinal articles. The finding from this review highlights that there is a lack of studies conducted in urban areas. The results show that the nutritional status of children is affected by several factors. These include household food insecurity, low household income, illiterate caregivers, unemployment, inadequate dietary intake, low birth weight, consumption of monotonous diets, poor caregiver’s nutritional knowledge, poor access to water and sanitation, poor weaning practices, age of the caregiver, and demographic characteristics of a child (age and gender). It is critical to have an understanding of the factors that affect the nutritional status of children. Such knowledge can significantly contribute to formulating policies that can enhance nutrition security and the country’s economy. Moreover, insights into strategic interventions to eradicate all forms of malnutrition can be made.

Suggested Citation

  • Mbalenhle Mkhize & Melusi Sibanda, 2020. "A Review of Selected Studies on the Factors Associated with the Nutrition Status of Children Under the Age of Five Years in South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-26, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:21:p:7973-:d:437270
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    1. Clarke, P & Zuma, MK & Tambe, A & Steenkamp, L & Mbhenyane, XG, 2023. "Contribution Of Dietary Patterns And Dietary Diversity To The Nutritional Status Of Children Under Five Years In Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, South Africa," African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND), African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND), vol. 23(9), September.
    2. Phillips Edomwonyi Obasohan & Stephen J. Walters & Richard Jacques & Khaled Khatab, 2021. "A Scoping Review of Selected Studies on Predictor Variables Associated with the Malaria Status among Children under Five Years in Sub-Saharan Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-21, February.
    3. Matshidiso Sello & Sunday A. Adedini & Clifford Odimegwu & Rebaone Petlele & Talent Tapera, 2023. "The Relationship between Childcare-Giving Arrangements and Children’s Malnutrition Status in South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-15, January.
    4. Pamela Clarke & Mthokozisi Kwazi Zuma & Ayuk Betrand Tambe & Liana Steenkamp & Xikombiso Gertrude Mbhenyane, 2021. "Caregivers’ Knowledge and Food Accessibility Contributes to Childhood Malnutrition: A Case Study of Dora Nginza Hospital, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-18, October.

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