Socio-anthropology of severe acute malnutrition in the urban community of Bétou: analysis of social representations of the disease.
1
Sciences Humaines et Sociales (sociologue de la santé, de la culture et de l’imaginaire social/ en Population et Développement/chercheur associé au laboratoire de formation et recherche en Population et Développement (Université Marien NGOUABI), Université Marien NGOUABI, Brazzaville, Congo
2
Sociologie, Université Marien NGOUABI, Brazzaville, Congo
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1949
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Context: The fight against severe acute malnutrition in children aged 6 to 59 months in the urban community of Bétou has become a priority action of the Congolese government for several decades, with the support of international organizations. Despite the measures taken, the disease remains persistent, with several cases detected and treated each year. This article addresses the issue from the perspective of social representations related to this disease.
METHODS:
It is based on a literature review, structured interviews conducted with 161 individuals, and a discourse analysis identifying the representations and interpretations constructed around the disease.
RESULTS:
The results obtained from this qualitative survey show that the disease is simultaneously biological, spiritual, and social, depending on multiple perceptions and interpretations characteristic of the sociocultural realities and beliefs inherent to this community. In retrospect, these factors explain the resistance to change and the suboptimal use of health services.
CONCLUSIONS:
It is essential to take these representations into account when developing effective public health policies to combat malnutrition. A proactive, community-based approach is recommended to change community perceptions and improve the care of malnourished children.
Context: The fight against severe acute malnutrition in children aged 6 to 59 months in the urban community of Bétou has become a priority action of the Congolese government for several decades, with the support of international organizations. Despite the measures taken, the disease remains persistent, with several cases detected and treated each year. This article addresses the issue from the perspective of social representations related to this disease.
METHODS:
It is based on a literature review, structured interviews conducted with 161 individuals, and a discourse analysis identifying the representations and interpretations constructed around the disease.
RESULTS:
The results obtained from this qualitative survey show that the disease is simultaneously biological, spiritual, and social, depending on multiple perceptions and interpretations characteristic of the sociocultural realities and beliefs inherent to this community. In retrospect, these factors explain the resistance to change and the suboptimal use of health services.
CONCLUSIONS:
It is essential to take these representations into account when developing effective public health policies to combat malnutrition. A proactive, community-based approach is recommended to change community perceptions and improve the care of malnourished children.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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