Resource: Reduction in childhood malnutrition in Vietnam from 1990 to 2004

A new study, "Reduction in childhood malnutrition in Vietnam from 1990 to 2004," is now available. According to a study from Hanoi, Vietnam, "Reduction in childhood malnutrition in Vietnam between 1990 and 2004 was assessed using data from 5 national surveys.

The prevalence of alnutrition, including stunting, declined significantly for underweight rom 45% in 1990 to 26.6% in 2004."

"While the average reduction was 1.3% per year in the period from 1990 to 000, it was 1.8% per year in the period from 2000 to 2004. The prevalence for stunting declined from 56.5% in 1990 to 30.7% in 2004, with an average reduction of 2% per year in the period from 1990 to 2000 and 1.5% per year in the period from 2000 to 2004. There were clear differences in the decrease in malnutrition prevalence between urban, rural and mountainous areas, the reduction being highest in the urban regions and lowest in the mountainous areas. Regression analysis showed that the nutrition status of the child is positively related to better household living conditions and to the educational level of the father, but not the mother. Stunting is higher in children whose parents are farmers and higher in households with more children. Stunting prevalence is lower in households with safe water access and hygienic toilets. In future , the dramatic reduction is childhood malnutrition as seen in the period 1990 to 2004 might not continue," wrote N.C. Khan and colleagues, National Institute of Nutrition.

The researchers concluded: "More comprehensive apptoaches will be needed to lower childhood malnutrition in Vietnam further." Khan and colleagues published the results of their research in Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition(Reduction in childhood malnutrition in Vietnam from 1990 to 2004. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2007;16(2):274-8).

For additional information, contact N.C. Khan, National Institute of Nutrition, 48B Tang Bat Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam.

The publisher of the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutritioncan be contacted at: H E C Press, Healthy Eating Club Pty Ltd., Emerald Hill Clinic 157 Clarendon St., Southbank, Vic 3006, Australia.