Determinants of Food Practices and Nutritional Profile of Children Under 5 Years of Age Living in Intra-Urban Villages in the District of Abidjan

Adequate nutrition during early childhood is fundamental for the harmonious development of each child. It is scientifically known that the period between birth and age five is a critical time for optimal growth, health and development of the child. The general objective of this present study was to evaluate the eating habits and nutritional status of children aged 0 to 5 years living in intra-urban villages in the Abidjan district. To achieve this objective, information relating to the feeding method of children aged 0 and 5 (breastfeeding, weaning, complementary feeding, solid food) was first collected. The nutritional status of these children (weight, height, upper arm circumference, nutritional diseases) was then determined. Finally, the links between the diet and the general nutritional status of these children were evaluated. The results showed that the majority of children surveyed had educated parents with 35.6% of fathers and 44% of mothers having a secondary level and 32.4% of fathers and 18.4% of mothers having a higher level. The majority of households had a low (45.6%) or average (45.2%) standard of living. The majority of children had consumed colostrum (76%), nearly 27.6% had benefited from exclusive breastfeeding and had consumed local fermented porridges (44%) as complementary foods, generally before the age of 6 months (64.2%). Most of the children (80%) had a normal nutritional status and were mostly not affected by diarrheal diseases (88%) and vitamin A deficiency (97.6%). This good state of health of the majority of children, despite the average economic situation of their parents, is due to the good choices made by mothers, particularly in terms of the type of breastfeeding and the choice of complementary foods provided.