Assessment of the nutritional statute and behavior on hygiene in the township of Bamba (District of bourem - region of Gao) to Mali

Abstract

Introduction: Our objective was to evaluate the nutritional statute and some attitudes relative hygiene in Bamba township. Material and methods : Our survey took place in the township of Bamba, District of Bourem, Region of Gao from February 15 to March 5, 2008. Electronic scales were used to weight people and Short's height gauge for the size. Data was collected using questionnaires. Our study was descriptive, cross sectional survey by poll in clusters to two degrees. Six hundred four (604) children of 6-59 months and three hundred seventeen six (376) mothers were surveyed. Data was captured and analyzed using EPI - INFO 6.04, ENA and SPSS 13.0 softwares. Results : In our survey we observed that the main source of water was the river during both dry season (53,9%) and rainy season (55%). Children in majority 71.2% washed their hands before eating even though they were using a single container for that purpose. We observed the following nutrition disorders: emaciation with 14,2% [CI at 95% (±0,89)]. Growth retardation 32,5% [ICà 95% (±1,03)] and the underweight 37,6% [ICà 95% (±1,13)]. On the 604 children 89,9% had received a supplement of A. vitamin. Conclusion : According to our study, the level of hygiene and nutrition disorders is worrying. Further investigations will be necessary to get a better understanding of people knowledge, behavior and practice in the township