Stunting and zinc deficiency among 3-5 years old Kankana-ey children in Kibungan, Benguet, Philippines
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2021-0114
- Author:
Jessielyn S. Pantalone
1
;
Normahitta P. Gordoncillo
1
;
Leila S. Africa
1
;
Corazon VC. Barba
1
;
Josefina T. Dizon
2
;
Jaidee P. Agne
1
,
3
;
Kristine V. Montecillo
1
,
3
Author Information
1. Institute of Human Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Banos, College, Laguna, Philippines&
2. Institute for Governance and Rural Development, College of Public Affairs and Development, University of the Philippines Los Banos, College, Laguna, Philippines
3. Science Education Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
indigenous peoples, nutritional deficiency, nutritional status, zinc
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2022;28(No.3):305-314
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: There is a dearth of public health and nutrition information available
pertaining to the indigenous groups in the Philippines. Hence, this study described
the prevalences of stunting and zinc deficiency, as well as factors associated with zinc
status of 3-5 years old children among the Kankana-ey people, an indigenous group
living in Kibungan, Benguet, Philippines. Methods: A cross-sectional design was
used in the conduct of the study where 63 study participants were randomly selected
from a chronological list of names of eligible Kankana-ey children by drawing lots.
The mothers/primary caregivers of these children were interviewed to collect their
socio-economic and demographic data, and dietary intake was assessed through
three non-consecutive days 24-hour food recall. Height and weight of the children
were also measured to determine their nutritional status. Lastly, blood samples
were collected to determine the zinc status of the children based on serum zinc
concentration, analysed through atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results:
Results showed that 54.0% and 50.8% of the Kankana-ey children had stunting
and zinc deficiency, respectively. There was significant positive association between
being exclusively breastfed and current zinc status (p=0.001). On the other hand, a
statistically significant negative correlation was observed between zinc intake and
zinc serum concentration (r=-0.291, p=0.021). Conclusion: Undernutrition among
Kankana-ey children is a major public health concern in Kibungan, Benguet.
Preventive actions must be taken to alleviate the severity of both stunting and zinc
deficiency, and to mitigate possible consequences by strengthening the current
nutrition and health programmes for indigenous groups, especially among young
children.
- Full text:4.2022my0586.pdf
