High Burden of Malnutrition Among Children Aged 0–59 Months in Wangata Health Zone, Democratic Republic of Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Background
Malnutrition remains a leading cause of child morbidity and mortality in low-income countries. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), nutritional data are often scarce at the health zone level, limiting evidence-based interventions. This study assessed the nutritional status of children aged 0–59 months in Wangata Health Zone, Équateur Province, and identified associated factors.
Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2024 in Losanganya health area, Wangata Health Zone. Two hundred children aged 0–59 months were enrolled through exhaustive sampling in five randomly selected villages. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference) were taken, and mothers were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire. Nutritional indicators were calculated using WHO growth standards (z-scores).
Results
The prevalence of underweight (weight-for-age) was 35% (95% CI: 28.5–41.9), stunting (height-for-age) 40% (95% CI: 33.2–47.1), and wasting (weight-for-height) 25% (95% CI: 19.2–31.6). Severe acute malnutrition (MUAC <115 mm) was found in 7.5% of children. Only 60% of children received exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and only 20% had timely complementary feeding at six months. Maternal education was strongly inversely associated with malnutrition: 56% of children of uneducated mothers were malnourished compared with 9% of children of mothers with secondary education (p<0.001). Lack of safe drinking water (35%), recent diarrhea (42.5%), and incomplete vaccination (30%) were also significant contributing factors.
Conclusion
Malnutrition in Wangata Health Zone is a severe public health emergency, exceeding WHO crisis thresholds. Urgent interventions should include maternal education, promotion of exclusive breastfeeding, improved water access, and community-based management of acute malnutrition.
Keywords
Full text
The full text is available as a Word document. Use the download button to open it.
How to cite
Study Design Foundation (2026). High Burden of Malnutrition Among Children Aged 0–59 Months in Wangata Health Zone, Democratic Republic of Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study. SDF Journal of Public Health. https://sfoundation.one/articles/sdf-2026-0004-high-burden-of-malnutrition-among-children-aged-0-59-months-in-wangata