Author : Evelyn H Back1,2, Veronika Scherbaum1, Wehib Bekri3,
Abstract of Main Results
Mean WAZ, HAZ and WHZ of rural children were with -1.7 ± 1.1, -1.6 ±
1.6 and -0.9 ± 0.9 significantly worse (p ≤ 0.000) than those of urban
children (-1.1 ± 1.2, -1.1 ± 1.4, -0.5 ± 1.0). The prevalence of severe
forms of malnutrition, like marasmus and kwashiorkor, was higher in the
rural areas than in town. A significant difference was noted between rural
and urban areas concerning some of the variables assessed, e.g. a
higher percentage of rural households suffering from food shortage (p ≤
0.000). On average, all children had an insufficient energy intake and did
not meet their calcium-, phosphorus-, potassium- and zinc-requirements.
Fat intake was on average insufficient and significantly lower for rural
children (p ≤ 0.000).