The health status of children in a rural community in north eastern Zambia
Wurapa, F.K.; Wyatt, G.B.; Bulsara, M.K.
East African Medical Journal 62(5): 355-359
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-835X PMID: 4042944 Document Number: 418085
The level of infant mortlity, which in some rural African communities approaches 300-400/1000, has often been used as an indication of the socioeconomic status of that community. This study analyzes health status and morbidity as part of a trypanosomiasis prevalence survey in a rural population of 1413 in North Eastern Zambia. The survey took female pregnancy histories, histories of diarrhea in children under 5 years of age, and weights and heights of all children. Physicians standardized measurement technics in training sessions. The infant mortality was estimated at 229/1000 and cumulative mortality by age 5 was 340/1000, using Brass model estimates. 51% of children had diarrhea within the 2-week recall period. 88% of mothers whose children had diarrhea felt it was serious enough to seek treatment, and only 6% depended on home treatments. 27% of the children showed wasting while stunting was observed in over 80% in the 3 and 4-year-old children. The adults were found to be small for their age in this environment, mean height and weight being 162.9 cm +or- 8.3 and 59.7 kg +or- 5.7 respectively, and for females, 154.5 cm +or- 5.2 and 52.8 kg +or- 6.7. High infant and child mortality rates caused in part by malnutrition exacerbated by malaria diarrheal diseases, and other infections, are cause for improved health intervention. Given the willingness to use health facilities on the part of mothers, it is likely that improvements will hinge on greater awareness and utilization of health services.