Preventive and Curative Skills on Acute Malnutrition among Mothers of Children Under 5 Years of Age in Pointe-Noire and Kouilou

N’ZAMBI Pressy Dornelle Jessy^{1, 2}, ELENGA Michel^{3, 4,} , MANANGA Vital^{3, 5} and ITOUA OKOUANGO Yvon Simplice^{3, 5}

¹Laboratoire de Nutrition et d’Alimentation Humaines BP: 69, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Marien NGOUABI, Brazzaville, Congo

²Département des Masters, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques; Université Marien NGOUABI, Brazzaville, Congo

³Équipe Pluridisciplinaire de Recherche en Alimentation et Nutrition (Eprancongo)

⁴Laboratoire de Nutrition et d’Alimentation Humaines BP: 69, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Marien NGOUABI, Brazzaville, Congo;Département des Masters, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques; Université Marien NGOUABI, Brazzaville, Congo;Laboratoire de Technologie Agro-alimentaire: Cité Scientifique, Brazzaville, Congo

⁵Laboratoire de Nutrition et d’Alimentation Humaines BP: 69, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Marien NGOUABI, Brazzaville, Congo;Département des Masters, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques; Université Marien NGOUABI, Brazzaville, Congo

Cite this paper:
N’ZAMBI Pressy Dornelle Jessy, ELENGA Michel, MANANGA Vital and ITOUA OKOUANGO Yvon Simplice. Preventive and Curative Skills on Acute Malnutrition among Mothers of Children Under 5 Years of Age in Pointe-Noire and Kouilou. Journal of Food and Nutrition Research. 2026; 14(1):26-37. doi: 10.12691/jfnr-14-1-4

Abstract

Acute malnutrition, the third leading cause of death in children under 5 years of age worldwide, remains a major health concern in the Republic of Congo. Considering this problem, mothers should necessarily be aware of prevention and treatment aspects. Therefore, this study aims to assess mother’s knowledge and practices regarding the prevention and management of acute childhood malnutrition. For this purpose, a questionnaire was used to collect data from direct interviews with 234 mothers. The results shows that 97.86% of mothers were at least 18 years old, 56.4% had a secondary education level, 65.81% had an income-generating activity, 56.41% were single, and 95.73% attended a health center. In addition, at least 80% of mothers know and practice food hygiene, 69% are aware of infant and young child feeding (IYCF), 64.1% know colostrum while 86% do not know the recommended time to give it and 50% know the duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Half of the mothers know the food square, 92.74% know the weaning age. 64% introduce complementary food as recommended. 79.48% are informed about child malnutrition, 64.95% have attended an education session while half recognize marasmus and 33.33% recognize kwashiorkor. 26% have already had a case of malnourished child of which 52% were detected by a community relay and 92% of them followed the treatment in a health center. Additionally, 214 mothers were unaware that diagnostic parameters include height, mid-upper arm circumference, weight and edema. In short, a nutrition education strategy is urgently needed for IYCF, breastfeeding practices and the introduction of complementary foods, knowledge of the forms of acute malnutrition and diagnostic methods of acute malnutrition.

Keywords:
Preventive skills curative skills acute malnutrition mothers children under five

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

References:

[1]	CROUZET, M. Rapport Mondial sur les Crises Alimentaires : 59 pays touchés par la malnutrition aiguë en 2023 Available online: https://www.unicef.fr/article/rapport-mondial-sur-les-crises-alimentaires-59-pays-touches-par-la-malnutrition-aigue-en-2023/ (accessed on 25 August 2024).
[2]	Genève : Organisation mondiale de la Santé Cibles mondiales de nutrition 2025 : note d’orientation sur l’émaciation [Global nutrition targets 2025: wasting policy brief]. 2017, 8.
[3]	ScalinUp Nutrition Congo Profil pays_bilan 2020 SUN-Congo 2020.
[4]	The Lancet La Nutrition Maternelle et Infantile. Synthèse de La Série d’études de La Revue The Lancet Sur La Nutrition Maternelle et Infantile.
[5]	Angèle, K.; Lucien, D.D.; Chantal, Z.; Caroline, Y.; Makoura, B.; Hamidou, K.; Oumarou, S.; Chantal, B.; Coumbo, B.; Ibrahima, O.; et al. Prévalence et facteurs associes a la malnutrition des nourrissons ages de 6 a 23 mois admis aux urgences pédiatriques du centre hospitalier universitaire Yalgado Ouedraogo, Burkina Faso. 2020.
[6]	Tahilramani G; Meena RK; Mathur A To Study Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (Kap) of Mothers of Children (1-59 Months) Admitted with Severe Acute Malnutrition (Sam) Regarding Feeding and Prevention of Malnutrition. To Study Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (Kap) of Mothers of Children (1-59 Months) Admitted with Severe Acute Malnutrition (Sam) Regarding Feeding and Prevention of Malnutrition 2023.
[7]	Yvette Fautsch Macías; Peter Glasauer; FAO Guide pour évaluer les Connaissances, Attitudes et Pratiques liées à la nutrition. FAO 2016, 188, E-ISBN 978-92-5-208098-5.
[8]	LAFONT, F. Déterminer la taille de l’échantillon - le blog de Questio. Blog de Questio 2024.
[9]	Haran, H.S.; Elameen, A.M.; Eltahir, Y.A.M.; Arbab, A.H. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Mothers with Acutely Malnourished Children Regarding Child Feeding and Malnutrition Prevention in Sudan. Matrix Science Pharma 2024, 8, 70–78.
[10]	Indris, A.; Shaleka, D.; Ashenafi, M. Child Nutritional Status, Mothers’ Nutritional Knowledge and Practice and Household Food Security Status in Tehuledere Woreda, South Wollo, Ethiopia. SEJS 2021, 44, 161–171.
[11]	Zowini’s, C.; Johannes, M.; Clever, M. An Investigation on the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Caregivers Nursing Children with Malnutrition towards the Health Education Given on the Condition at Public Health Institutions in Zimbabwe. 2023.
[12]	Adomi Mbina, S.; Magaji, G.; Fanuel, A.; Pius, T.; Gorret, A.; Nicholas Mavine, A.; Lucky, N.; Ronald, A.; Dominic Terkimbi, S.; Stellamaris, K. Breastfeeding Practices Among Infants and Young Children in Bushenyi, Uganda: Influence of Maternal Knowledge and Occupation. JFMHC 2021, 7, 90.
[13]	Abd-Alrazig, M.H.A.; Dakeen, M.A.-A.O.; Ali, M.A.H.M.; Nasr, R.M.H. Mother’s Nutritional Knowledge and Practice towards Children under Two Years of Age and Its Impact on Their Health in Abuzaid Albuluk Pediatric Specialized Hospital in 2023. FNS 2023, 14, 746–776.
[14]	Mustafa, M.; Jareebi, M.A.; Hakami, H.A.; Jadah, A.A.; Alkorbi, B.N.; Kuriri, R.M.; Madkhali, H.Y.; Shok, S.H.; Ayyashi, N.M.; Aljudayba, R.; et al. Exploring Mothers’ Knowledge and Practices of Colostrum Feeding in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Journal for Health Sciences 2024, 13, 226–233.
[15]	Rep. Du Congo Stratégie sectorielle de l’éducation 2015-2025 2015.
[16]	Institut National de la Statistique; UNICEF Enquête Par Grappes à Indicateurs Multiples (MICS5 2014-2015), Rapport Final. Brazzaville, Congo 2015.
[17]	Poudel, G. Association between mothers knowledge on child care and nutritional status of 6-59 months children of dharan sub metropolitan city. 2018, 93.
[18]	Almahmoud, K.; Almousa, A.; Albalawi, L.; Althobaiti, R.; Alothman, A.; Almhizai, R. Colostrum Knowledge among Mothers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Medical Science 2022, 26, 1.
[19]	Mose, A.; Dheresa, M.; Mengistie, B.; Wassihun, B.; Abebe, H. Colostrum Avoidance Practice and Associated Factors among Mothers of Children Aged Less than Six Months in Bure District, Amhara Region, North West, Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study. PLoS ONE 2021, 16, e0245233.
[20]	Sisay, B.M.; Endale, S.Z.; Senbeta, F.W. Colostrum Avoidance and Associated Factors among Postnatal Mothers in Health Facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Mixed Method Study. BMC Public Health 2025, 25, 248.
[21]	Ahmed, F.; Malik, N.I.; Shahzad, M.; Ahmad, M.; Shahid, M.; Feng, X.L.; Guo, J. Determinants of Infant Young Child Feeding Among Mothers of Malnourished Children in South Punjab, Pakistan: A Qualitative Study. Front. Public Health 2022, 10, 834089.
[22]	Khofidhotur Rofiah; Betanuari Sabda Nirwana; Sutrisni; Alfika Awatiszahro; Erike Yunicha V Relationship Between Post Partum Mother’s Knowledge About The Importance Of Colostrum And Mother’s Interest In Giving Colostrum. JGRPH 2023, 8, 74–77.
[23]	Hina Jawaid; Marriam Sheraz; Khudija Amna Arif; Zia Ul Hassan; Akhter, H. Barriers in Use of Colostrum, Breast Milk, and Supplemental Feed: Assessing Maternal Knowledge & Practices. JUMDC 2022, 13.
[24]	Amaje, E.; Gebremeskel, F.; Tufa, G.; Gelchu, M.; Wayessa, Z.J. Colostrum Avoidance Practices and Its Associated Factors among Mothers of Children Aged Less Than 12 Months in Jinka Town, South Ethiopia, 2020. A Community Based Cross Sectional Study. Health Services Research and Managerial Epidemiology 2022, 9, 23333928221106056.
[25]	Asaro, T.; Gutema, B.T.; Weldehawaryat, H.N. Colostrum Avoidance Practice and Associated Factors among Mothers of Infants Less than Six Months in Chencha District: Cross-Sectional Study. BMC Nutr 2023, 9, 18.
[26]	Modjadji, P.; Seabela, E.S.; Ntuli, B.; Madiba, S. Beliefs and Norms Influencing Initiation and Sustenance of Exclusive Breastfeeding: Experiences of Mothers in Primary Health Care Facilities in Ermelo, South Africa. IJERPH 2023, 20, 1513.
[27]	World Health Organization Indicateurs pour évaluer les pratiques d’alimentation du nourrisson et du jeune enfant partie 2 : calcus. Indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices: part 2: measurement 2011.
[28]	Shahid, M.; Cao, Y.; Ahmed, F.; Raza, S.; Guo, J.; Malik, N.I.; Rauf, U.; Qureshi, M.G.; Saheed, R.; Maryam, R. Does Mothers’ Awareness of Health and Nutrition Matter? A Case Study of Child Malnutrition in Marginalized Rural Community of Punjab, Pakistan. Front. Public Health 2022, 10, 792164.
[29]	Diagana, M.S.; Kane, H. Alimentation des nourrissons à Nouakchott : entre recommandations médicales et instructions des grand-mères. Santé Publique 2016, 28, 235–243.
[30]	Takassi OE; Mihesso AYA; Temanou-Fiogbe E; Atakouma DY Facteurs Associes a La Pratique de l’allaitement Maternel Exclusif a 6 Mois En Milieu Rural Au Togo. J Afric Neonatal 2023; 2: 60 – 64 2023, 5.
[31]	Annah, R.A. The impact of mothers’ knowledge and attitude on malnutrition preventive practices in thulamela local municipality, South africa.
[32]	Ara, G.; Manzoor, D.M.; Hussain, Z. Knowledge, Attitude And Practices Of Mothers Regarding Breastfeeding Having Malnourished Children Under 5 Years Age Bracket: A Cross Sectional Study Of Children Hospital Multan, Pakistan.
[33]	Lindberg, L.; Nhambongo, I.; Nhampossa, T.; Munguambe, K.; Priebe, G. A Qualitative Study of Mothers’ Health Literacy Related to Malnutrition in under 5-Year-Old Children in Southern Mozambique. Public Health Nutr. 2022, 25, 1947–1955.
[34]	Keith, N.; Kone, M.; Cness, B. Etude Sur Les Connaissances, Attitudes, Comportements et Pratiques Des Communautés / Populations Vis-à-Vis de La Nutrition, Des Soins Primaires de Santé Pout La Femme Enceinte et Le Nourrisson, l’accès à l’eau Potable, l’hygiène et l’assainissement, l’accès Aux Soins de Santé Pour Le Jeune Enfant Dans La Région de Maradi Au Niger. l’hygiène et l’assainissement, l’accès aux soins de santé pour le jeune enfant dans la région de Maradi au Niger. United Nations Children’s Fund 2007.
[35]	Rep. Du Congo; UNICEF PLAN Stratégique national de santé communautaire 2021-2024 2020.
[36]	Dembélé, Y.; Poma, H.A.; Traoré, B.C.; Diarra, E.; Doumbia, S.; Diarra, S.; Traoré, S.A.; Keita, C.; Diallo, F.; Sidibé, M.; et al. Connaissances attitudes et pratiques des mères par rapport a la malnutrition des enfants de moins de 5ans dans le csref de Sikasso en 2022. 2023, 11.
[37]	Rep. Du Congo, F. Cadre stratégique de lutte contre la malnutrition au Congo horizon 2025 2015.
[38]	Yeshambel Wassie, A.; Atnafu Gebeyehu, N.; Abebe Gelaw, K. Knowledge, Attitude, and Associated Factors towards Colostrum Feeding among Antenatal Care Attendant Mothers in Gununo Health Centre, Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia 2019: Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Pediatrics 2020, 2020, 1–10.
[39]	Kaldenbach, S.; Engebretsen, I.M.S.; Haskins, L.; Conolly, C.; Horwood, C. Infant Feeding, Growth Monitoring and the Double Burden of Malnutrition among Children Aged 6 Months and Their Mothers in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. Maternal & Child Nutrition 2022, 18, e13288.
[40]	Alive & Thrive; UNICEF Facteurs Influençant La Pratique de l’allaitement Maternel Exclusif et Les Autres Pratiques d’alimentation Du Nourrisson Pendant Les Six Premiers Mois de Vie En Afrique de l’Ouest et Du Centre; Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre, 2022; p. 67.
[41]	ZEHNATI, A.; SIDI-YAKHLEF, A. Prévalence et déterminants de l’allaitement maternel poursuivi au-delà de 6 mois chez les femmes algériennes. Analyse à partir des données de l’enquête par grappes à indicateurs multiples. MTSI 2024, Vol. 4 No 1 (2024): MTSIRevue.
[42]	Kwerengwe, R.I.; Singh, K. Impact of knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers regarding complementary feeding on nutritional status of children. SALT JSRH 2023, 01–12.
[43]	Kadidiatou, R.K.; Lassina, C.; Méazieu, C.S.; Ouattara, J.; Agbré-Yacé, M.L.; Doukouré, D.; Manouan, M.N.; Konan-Kouakou, V.; Kouakou, J.S.; Aké, O. Facteurs associés à la satisfaction des mères à l’unité Soins Mère Kangourou du CHU de Treichville: une enquête transversale par approche mixte en Côte d’Ivoire. Revue Africaine de Médecine et de Santé Publique 2022, 5, 2–14.