The nutritional status of preschool village children in Tanzania: Observations in Lushoto district

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Abstract
A health and nutrition survey was conducted on 506 children (ten percent sample) under five years of age of both sexes in Mlola Division, Lushoto District, Tanzania. The objective was to gather baseline information to serve as a guideline for the establishment of comprehensive mobile preventive services in this area, in combination with selected agricultural extension schemes. Background information into the socio‐economic status was also collected, together with a qualitative dietary survey of school children in one primary school. Eighty‐four percent of the parents of the children were engaged in agriculture and only 13 percent were salaried. The child mortality rate was 17.4 percent with a sibling mortality rate of 30.1 percent. Severe protein energy deficiency was found in nine percent of the children. Signs of other deficiencies were rare. Anemia presented no problem, probably due to the low prevalence of malaria. Growth achievement was related to the prevalence of clinical malnutrition. The diet was surprisingly varied with a relatively low component of fresh green vegetables. Lack of protein was found in only seven dishes of 68 samples. The overall nutrition situation in Mlola compared well with other surveys conducted with the same method in other parts of Tanzania.

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