CORRELATES OF MALNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN UNDER 2 YEARS OF AGE ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL IN YAOUNDE, CAMEROON

A survey of health status, biodemographics, and use of health care services of all children under 2 years of age, consecutively admitted to the Baudeloque ward of the Central Hospital of Yaounde, Cameroon, was conducted over a 12-month period (1984). During the admission procedure, each child's mother or surrogate mother was interviewed and the child was weighed according to study protocol; additional data were collected by review of hospital records. A total of 669 children were recruited into the study sample; there were no refusals. Nutritional status was estimated by categories based on weight for age. Overall, 43 per cent of the sample were of normal weight-for-age, and 6 per cent, 19 per cent, and 32 per cent were categorized as having severe, moderate, and mild malnutrition, respectively. Multinomial logit modelling was used to identify independent correlates of mild, moderate, and severe PEM simultaneously. The study findings underscore the broad health benefits of immunizations. Furthermore, any prior contact of mother or child with the health care system appears to be associated with better nutritional status on hospital admission. Children with mothers employed outside the home may benefit particularly from health services outreach programmes.