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Childhood Undernutrition and Its Predictors in a Rural Health and Demographic Surveillance System Site in South Africa

Author

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  • Perpetua Modjadji

    (School of Health Care Sciences, Department of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi St, Ga-Rankuwa Zone 1, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa)

  • Sphiwe Madiba

    (School of Health Care Sciences, Department of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi St, Ga-Rankuwa Zone 1, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa)

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity are increasing at an alarming rate in South Africa, while childhood undernutrition remains persistently high. This study determined the magnitude and predictors of stunting and underweight among schoolchildren in the Dikgale and Health Demographic Surveillance System Site, a rural site in South Africa. Methods: A cross sectional study using multistage sampling was conducted among 508 schoolchildren and their mothers. Anthropometric measurements were taken from children and their mothers, while sociodemographic information was obtained from mothers using a questionnaire. The World Health Organization Anthro Plus was used to generate height-for-age and weight-for-age z-scores to indicate stunting and underweight, respectively, among the children. Maternal overweight and obesity were assessed using body mass index. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the predictors of stunting and underweight among schoolchildren. Results: Twenty-two percent (22%) of children were stunted and 27% were underweight, while 27.4% of the mothers were overweight and 42.3% were obese. The odds of being stunted were lower in younger children, whereas having a mother who was overweight/obese and had a short stature increased the odds of stunting. Access to water, having a refrigerator, and having a young mother were protective against being underweight. Having a mother who was overweight/obese increased the odds of being underweight. Conclusions: The study showed a high prevalence of stunting and underweight among children, and overweight and obesity among mothers, indicating a household double burden of malnutrition. The age of the child and maternal overweight/obesity and short stature were predictors of stunting and underweight, while having a younger mother and access to water and a refrigerator were protective against being underweight. The need for an evidence-based and feasible nutrition program for schoolchildren, especially those in rural schools, cannot be over-emphasized.

Suggested Citation

  • Perpetua Modjadji & Sphiwe Madiba, 2019. "Childhood Undernutrition and Its Predictors in a Rural Health and Demographic Surveillance System Site in South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-14, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:17:p:3021-:d:259532
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Makama Andries Monyeki & Adedapo Awotidebe & Gert L. Strydom & J. Hans De Ridder & Ramoteme Lesly Mamabolo & Han C. G. Kemper, 2015. "The Challenges of Underweight and Overweight in South African Children: Are We Winning or Losing the Battle? A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-18, January.
    2. Laurencia Govender & Kirthee Pillay & Muthulisi Siwela & Albert Modi & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, 2016. "Food and Nutrition Insecurity in Selected Rural Communities of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa—Linking Human Nutrition and Agriculture," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-21, December.
    3. Adewara, Sunday Olabisi & Visser, Martine, 2011. "Use of Anthropometric Measures to Analyze How Sources of Water and Sanitation Affect Chidren’s Health in Nigeria," RFF Working Paper Series dp-11-02-efd, Resources for the Future.
    4. Kadiyala, Suneetha & Gillespie, Stuart, 2003. "Rethinking food aid to fight AIDS," FCND discussion papers 159, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
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    1. 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.
    2. Perpetua Modjadji & Lucy Nomsa Masilela & Lindiwe Cele & Mmampedi Mathibe & Peter Modupi Mphekgwana, 2022. "Evidence of Concurrent Stunting and Obesity among Children under 2 Years from Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Backgrounds in the Era of the Integrated Nutrition Programme in South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-15, September.
    3. Perpetua Modjadji & Josephine Mashishi, 2020. "Persistent Malnutrition and Associated Factors among Children under Five Years Attending Primary Health Care Facilities in Limpopo Province, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-15, October.

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