Contextual factors and spatial patterns of childhood malnutrition in provinces of Burkina Faso

Chuang, Y.-C., Chuang, T.-W., Chao, H. J., Tseng, K.-C., Nkoka, O., Sunaringsih, S. and Chuang, K.-Y. (2020) Contextual factors and spatial patterns of childhood malnutrition in provinces of Burkina Faso. Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, 66(1), pp. 66-74. (doi: 10.1093/tropej/fmz031) (PMID:31086979)

Abstract

Background: Approximately 45% of all children's deaths are associated with malnutrition, and sub-Saharan Africa is hardest hit by this phenomenon. However, information on geographical variations of malnutrition in developing countries is limited. This study examined the geographical distribution and community characteristics associated with child malnutrition in Burkina Faso. Design: Data from the 2011 Burkina Faso Demographic Health Survey were analyzed. A general Kriging interpolation method was used to generate spatial malnutrition patterns. The global Moran's I test was used to identify significant malnutrition spatial patterns. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were fitted to examine the association between community level factors and malnutrition. Results: Average rates of stunting and wasting in the communities were 32.48% and 15.05%, respectively. Stunting hotspots were observed in the eastern and northeastern parts of Burkina Faso (i.e. Oudolan, Séno and Yagha, among others), while high rates of wasting were observed in the north-central part. The GEE results revealed lower stunting rates in communities with a higher percentage of households with improved sanitation. Communities with higher rates of professionally assisted births were associated with low wasting rates, while communities with higher rates of households with a low wealth index reported higher rates of wasting. Conclusions: Spatial statistical models of malnutrition prevalence are useful for indicating hotspots over wide areas and hence, for guiding intervention strategies. This study revealed significant geographical patterns and community factors associated with childhood malnutrition. These factors should be considered in future programs aimed at reducing malnutrition in Burkina Faso.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This research was funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology (Grant No. MOST 103-2410-H-038 -002 – to Dr. Ying-Chih Chuang).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Nkoka, Dr Owen
• Authors: Chuang, Y.-C., Chuang, T.-W., Chao, H. J., Tseng, K.-C., Nkoka, O., Sunaringsih, S., and Chuang, K.-Y.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre
• Journal Name: Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 1465-3664
• ISSN (Online): 1465-3664
• Published Online: 13 May 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 Oxford University Press
• First Published: First published in Journal of Tropical Pediatrics 66(1):66-74
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher