6^th Global Healthcare Nutritionists and Dietician annual Conference

Biography

Biography: Kouanda Mohmed Hamdy

Abstract

Malnutrition constitutes a taboo topic within households in Burkina Faso. The sociological and anthropological apprehension of this disease is a source of conflicts in families. Traditionally, the notion of malnutrition refers to a situation of destitution of the householder or the whole family. Therefore anthropological researches on the disease (Socio-anthropological study AFD-Sahel Sahel) Programmeand evaluations of the barriers (SQUEAC 2013,2014 au Burkina faso,SLEAC 2015) of malnutrition show a close relationship between the traditional perception of malnutrition and the making of decision on care to people affected by malnutrition. The nutritional situation is a major concern throughout the country, the prevalence rate in certain regions remains higher than the severity threshold of 10% defined by the WHO despite a decline of the MAG observed nationally over the 2003-2013 period (19% versus 8,2%) (Sources: EDS, 2003/ENU 2013). In such a context, a comparative research between the health districts of Sapouy and Kombissiri in Burkina Faso with a sample of 800 households and about 6,400 people led to the establishment of the following relationships: 63% of people affected by malnutrition have no access to adequate health care because people (families) who should make decisions do not know malnutrition. 4/10 women are in conflict with their husbands because of men’s perception on malnutrition 23% of deaths from malnutrition is attributable to a conflict with the family over resorting to health care. Malnutrition within a household increases the vulnerability of women and children to the disease Health programs for women and children should systematically involve the management of conflicts related to malnutrition. Nutrition projects and programs should ensure that the communities have a sound knowledge of the definition of malnutrition cases based on ethnic groups, family structures and community organization prior to any intervention.