Moroccan planners' and professionals' attitudes toward nutrition problems and programs in their country

A questionnaire which assessed attitudes toward selected nutrition issues was administered to 113 influential Moroccan planners and professionals. Although most agreed that additional nutrition surveys are needed in Morocco, that malnutrition is most prevalent in rural areas, and that goiter and protein deficiency are widespread, there was less consensus about the prevalence of anemia and insufficient caloric intake. Most agreed that the causes of malnutrition in the country include poverty, social inequality, and lack of nutrition knowledge. Attitudes varied on attributing seasonal food supply fluctuations to a poorly developed food processing industry. Attitudes toward applied nutrition programs were less favorable. The majority disagreed that food distribution and nutrition rehabilitation centers are the best way to eradicate malnutrition in the country. Respondents generally expressed favorable attitudes toward the inclusion of nutrition education in applied nutrition programs and educational curriculum, but the majority disagreed that Moroccans are generally knowledgeable about what to eat.

Key words:

• nutrition planning
• Morocco
• Africa
• attitudes
• nutrition policy
• nutrition education
• applied nutrition programs
• malnutrition

Notes

Current address: Departement de Nutrition, I.A.V. Hassan II B.P. 6202, Rabat‐Instituts, Rabat, Morocco.