Prevalence and socio-demographic predictors of malnutrition in under 5-year-olds in the Western Cape, South Africa

Abstract

Nutrition policies and regulations promulgated in South Africa to address malnutrition in young children are implemented by the nine provincial governments. To facilitate malnutrition management at provincial level, robust provincial statistics for malnutrition and associated risk factors should be available. We set out to obtain this information for the Western Cape province. We surveyed 1214 under 5-year-olds, measured their weight and height/length and completed a structured interview with the primary caregiver. The prevalence of stunting was 17.5%, underweight 5.6%, wasting 3.4%, and overweight 15.1%. Identified potential risk factors for stunting include poverty, living in rural towns, food insecurity, low maternal/paternal education, unemployment of parents, high birth order, and a low birth weight. Being 1-<2-years-old was a risk for both stunting and overweight. To meet WHO/UNICEF targets for the reduction of stunting and overweight/obesity, we recommend urgent measures to identify, review, and adapt current policies/interventions targeting malnutrition in the Western Cape province.