Factors associated with nutritional status among young children in St. Vincent

A survey was undertaken in 1975 in St. Vincent, West Indies, among the mothers of nearly all children from one to two years old in two towns. The mean weight for age was 85 percent of the Boston Standard and the mean weight for height was 92.5 percent of the standard. Levels of malnutrition were similar to those found in a national survey eight years earlier.

Using multiple regression analysis, the variable which had by far the greatest impact on nutritional status (weight for age) was economic level of living. Next in importance came length of breastfeeding, attendance at postnatal clinics, and (with a negative association) the number of siblings.

Efforts to solve the EPM problem must seek to eradicate poverty, but should not neglect the importance of breastfeeding, child spacing, and appropriate health care.

Key words:

• infant nutrition
• socioeconomic status
• weaning
• St. Vincent
• malnutrition
• breastfeeding
• fertility
• West Indies