PRATIQUES ALIMENTAIRES DES ENFANTS SOUFFRANT DE MALNUTRITION, SUIVIS À L'HÔPITAL PROVINCIAL DE CHIMOIO, MANICA, MOZAMBIQUE

Abstract

Malnutrition is the second cause of death in under-5 children at the Provincial Hospital of Chimoio (HPC), highlighting the readmission of malnourished children from the Districts of Chimoio and Macate. The objective was to evaluate the food practices of malnourished children in nutritional monitoring at the HPC, living in Chimoio and Macate, identifying the factors associated with malnutrition, as well as to jointly build with the caregivers, strategies to mitigate it. It was performed an action-research, of quanti-qualitative, cross-sectional and explanatory nature. In four home visits, food consumption, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics were evaluated with the application of questionnaires, in addition to interviews that were recorded, photographed and registered in a field diary. Quantitative data were analyzed in Excel spreadsheet and qualitative data with support from Content Analysis. In seven participating families, the research found five children under two years of age with malnutrition. The children consumed more foods rich in carbohydrates, vegetables and fruits. Low consumption of milk and dairy products, early weaning, poor purchasing power of families, and consumption of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) below recommendations were observed. High consumption of sweets and concentrated juices was also noted. Only two children took their meals in the company of their caregivers. Four strategies were built with the caregivers, aiming at mitigating local child malnutrition. It is necessary to develop health education actions with greater involvement of the heads of household. This study can support the health sector in mitigating the problem as well as targeting local public policies.