Mission report : participatory assessment of the role and nutritional value of aquatic resources in the livelihoods of rural people in Attapeu province, Lao PDR

• Main Authors: Jintana Yhoung-aree, Meusch, Eric
• Format: Research Report
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: Nutrition Assessment; Nutrition Surveys
• Online Access: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/30019
• Institution: Mahidol University

Participatory appraisal on food, health and nutrition was conducted in three villages of Attapeu province, Lao PDR, namely: Gayeu (near town), Saysi (rural) and Tamoyot (remote). The general objective was to determine the role of aquatic resources in food and nutrition security of rural people in Attapeu province, Lao PDR. Using focus group discussions, profiles were constructed concerning food supple, health problems, daily and seasonal activity patterns, economics and the livelihoods of the villagers. In-depth interviews were also conducted to collect data on morbidity, chronic diseases, health history and seeking behaviors, infant and young child care practices, as well as food practices during pregnancy and lactation. In addition, 208 household members in the three sits participated in an anthropometric assessment. Results of data collection reveal that the villagers have access to a diverse food supply, with aquatic foods – both animal and plant – serving as the mainstay of the household diet. In terms of nutritional deficiencies, stone diseases commonly occur, and evidence exists of other signs that indicate micronutrient deficiencies (e.g., paleness, numbness, failing sight, angular stomatitis, weakness). Signs also were also present pointing to protein energy malnutrition such as edema, thinness, and dry hair, and these were confirmed by the results of anthropometric measurements. Among children aged 0-18 years from Gayeu (near town) 40.3% were underweight, with 9.0% suffering from severe protein energy malnutrition (Z score ≤-3.0 SD). Stunting occurred among 57.2% of Gayeu children, with 24.1% being severely stunted (Z score ≤ -3.0 SD). Wasting was found among 5.8% of the children. Among the rural Saysi sample, 50.3% of the children were underweight, 8.0% were severely malnourished, 63.8% were stunted, 27.6% were severely stunted, and 6.3% were wasted. For the children sampled in remote Tamoyot, 44.8% were underweight, while 6.9% were severely malnourished. Furthermore, 63.8% of the children were stunted, 22.4% being severely stunted, and 4.4% were wasted. The prevalence of those children who suffered from both stunting and wasting was 3.6% for all three areas. Children underfive years were susceptible to all forms of malnutrition. Malnutrition in adults (19-65 years) was 38.1%, 46.4% and 15.5% in Gayeu, Saysi and Tamoyot respectively, with an average of 33.5%. Three time as many women suffered from malnutrition as men (women=78.6% and men=21.4%). Moreover, a statically significant association was found between malnutrition and the onset of illnesses in children (p<.001) and female adults (p<.05), whereas there was no such association for males.