Problems of Food and Nutritional Practices of Children in Precarious Areas of Port-Bouët in Abidjan

Abstract

<jats:p>Food and nutritional security is a major and topical concern in the world.This study aims to present the food practices of children in precarious neighborhoods of Port-Bouët. The methodology was based on (1) surveys of 400 children (7 to 12 years old), (2) interviews with managers of the health centers of Gonzaqueville, Vridi Canal and Port-Bouët center, (3) the determination of the quantities of the most consumed meals with a scale, (4) calculations of the BMI of children associated with the weight growth curve according to their sex and (5) documentary research to know the chemical compositions of foods. The majority of children eat their meals at home. The structure of children's meals consists of a main course plus water. The most consumed dish is rice with a sauce and little fish (or meat) and attiéké accompanied by fried fish. Meals consumed by children are high in carbohydrates and contain little protein. They eat four times a day and the meal quantities are small. Most of the children are thin and suffer from anemia. Children in the precarious neighborhoods of Port-Bouët have poor dietary and nutritional practices that negatively influence their health. This category of individuals is the most vulnerable.</jats:p>