Nutritional status and feeding patterns of rural preschool Zambian children living in different ecological areas

Nutritional status and dietary intake of 1088 children (age 0-5 years) living in rural Zambia were examined. Two ecologically different areas in Samfya District were studied: the Bangweulu Swamps, a fishing-focused area, and the Mainland of the district, an agricultural oriented area. Prevalence of underweight and wasting was significantly higher in children living in the Swamps compared to those on the Mainland. Prevalence of stunting and underweight increased rapidly with age from three to six months onwards. A significantly lower frequency of consumption of nutritionally important food groups was observed in children living in the Swamps compared to those on the Mainland. All children from zero to 12 months of age were breast-fed; supplementary feeding started mostly at three to six months of age. The higher prevalence of underweight and wasting in children living in the Swamps compared to those on the Mainland, may be explained by a less adequate diet and other consequences of living in an underprivileged environment.