Child Malnutrition and Household Vulnerability in Thiès, Senegal: Findings from a Longitudinal Study
1
1. Unité de formation et de recherche des sciences de la santé, Université Iba Der Thiam de Thiès, Thiès, Sénégal
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2273
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Background Child malnutrition remains a major public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Senegal, where households face economic hardship, high child dependency, and limited access to social assistance. This study is part of a longitudinal follow-up of 210 households in the Thiès region, aiming to document nutritional, socio-economic, and health dynamics during the third semester (January–June 2025). Methods A stable sample of 210 households across five health districts and 26 villages was monitored. Data were collected through household questionnaires and anthropometric measurements of children aged 6–59 months. Analyses were conducted using R, SPSS, and Excel, combining descriptive statistics, visualizations, and methodological triangulation. Results Households averaged 5.9 children, with a mean monthly income of 84,319 FCFA but wide disparities. The suspension of PNBS allocations left 88.6% of households without institutional support. Hygiene practices were inconsistently adopted, with only 21.4% washing hands before feeding a child and 28% after cleaning stools. Community initiatives faced challenges: of 440 animals distributed, 109 losses (24.8%) compromised program viability, though 68% of households maintained autonomous livestock (875 heads). Among 396 children measured (mean age 46 months, mean weight 13.85 kg, mean height 96.6 cm), chronic malnutrition affected 102 (25.8%), acute malnutrition 46 (14% by WHZ, 7% by BMI-for-age), and underweight 58 (21.8%). Overall, 50.7% of households had at least one malnourished child, with severe cases increasing. Geographic disparities were notable, with Fissel, Touba Toul, and Tassette most affected. Conclusion Findings confirm persistent chronic malnutrition and a rise in severe forms, reflecting the fragility of the nutritional continuum. Household vulnerability was exacerbated by suspended social assistance, livestock losses, and inadequate hygiene practices. Integrated interventions—dietary diversification, improved hygiene, strengthened community initiatives, and expanded nutritional surveillance beyond early childhood—are essential to prevent worsening vulnerabilities and sustainably improve child nutrition in the Thiès region.
Background Child malnutrition remains a major public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Senegal, where households face economic hardship, high child dependency, and limited access to social assistance. This study is part of a longitudinal follow-up of 210 households in the Thiès region, aiming to document nutritional, socio-economic, and health dynamics during the third semester (January–June 2025). Methods A stable sample of 210 households across five health districts and 26 villages was monitored. Data were collected through household questionnaires and anthropometric measurements of children aged 6–59 months. Analyses were conducted using R, SPSS, and Excel, combining descriptive statistics, visualizations, and methodological triangulation. Results Households averaged 5.9 children, with a mean monthly income of 84,319 FCFA but wide disparities. The suspension of PNBS allocations left 88.6% of households without institutional support. Hygiene practices were inconsistently adopted, with only 21.4% washing hands before feeding a child and 28% after cleaning stools. Community initiatives faced challenges: of 440 animals distributed, 109 losses (24.8%) compromised program viability, though 68% of households maintained autonomous livestock (875 heads). Among 396 children measured (mean age 46 months, mean weight 13.85 kg, mean height 96.6 cm), chronic malnutrition affected 102 (25.8%), acute malnutrition 46 (14% by WHZ, 7% by BMI-for-age), and underweight 58 (21.8%). Overall, 50.7% of households had at least one malnourished child, with severe cases increasing. Geographic disparities were notable, with Fissel, Touba Toul, and Tassette most affected. Conclusion Findings confirm persistent chronic malnutrition and a rise in severe forms, reflecting the fragility of the nutritional continuum. Household vulnerability was exacerbated by suspended social assistance, livestock losses, and inadequate hygiene practices. Integrated interventions—dietary diversification, improved hygiene, strengthened community initiatives, and expanded nutritional surveillance beyond early childhood—are essential to prevent worsening vulnerabilities and sustainably improve child nutrition in the Thiès region.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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