Effects of social environmental factors on malnutrition of 0–5 y children in China's poor areas

Abstract

Malnutrition remains a health concern in China among ethnic minorities. This study used data from the China Children Nutrition Surveillance Survey (6000 in 2006 and 9000 in 2007/2008) to examine how social-environmental factors affect nutrition and subsequently, can be used to create improved programs and policies for these populations. In-depth dietary data coupled with socio-demographic and anthropometric measurements were obtained from the minority children. The proportion of stunting and reduced weight for height and weight for age were examined. Zhuang children had the highest underweight (31%) while stunting was the highest in Miao children (34.0%-35.8%). Mongolian children had the lowest underweight (1.2%-2.4%) and stunting (4.2%-5.5%). Both underweight and stunting were the highest in children whose parents were illiterate (20%-24% and 28%-29% respectively) and the lowest in children whose parents graduated from colleges or universities (5%-6% and 1.2%-1.4% respectively). Both rates decreased as household income increased and were higher in children whose parents worked in farms than in children whose parents were clerical staff or manager. Children cared for by grandparents were particularly vulnerable to malnutrition. This study highlights these critical economic and demographic factors and feeds into poverty control and public health programs and provides both short-term feeding and long-term social policy guidance.