Protein Energy Malnutration in Ethiopia

 Protein Energy Malnutration(PEM)

   

PEM are result when the body's needs for protein and energy fuels are not satisfied by the diet.

It is accompanied by deficiency of several micronutrients.

Severity ranges from milder forms weight loss or growth retardation distinct clinical features marasmus,kwashiorkor or marasmic kwashiorkor.

Primary PEM due to inadequate intake.

Secondary PEM other disease lead to low food ingestion inadequate nutrient absorption or utilization increased nutritional requirements increased nutrient losses.

     Epidemiology and Ethology 

According to the Ethiopia Demographic and health survey(EDHS) preliminary report of 2011 for under five year children showed.  

 .  The percentage of children who are stunted is 44% of which 20% are severely stunted.

 .   And those of underweight is 29% and 9% of children are severely underweight.

EDHS report of 2019 Table 1.1  shows that 37% of children under age 5 are stunted, and 12% are severely stunted. Seven percent are wasted and 1% severely wasted. Twenty￾one percent of children are underweight, with 6% severely underweight. Only 2% of children are overweight.

                           Table 1.1 

The percentage of underweight children has declined consistently since 2005, from 33% to 21% (Figure 1.1). On the other hand, the prevalence of wasting has decreased only from 12% to 7%. 

The prevalence of stunting has decreased from 51% to 37%, while the prevalence of severe stunting has decreased by more than half (from 28% to 12%) (Figure 1.2).

    Figure 1.1 Trends in nutritional status of children

Percentage of children under age 5 who are malnourished

                Figure 1.1

      Figure 1.2 Trends in stunting

Percentage of children under age 5 who are  stunted

         

              Figure 1.2

                  

                  Ethology 

Social and Economic factors 

        Poverty 

        Ignorance 

        Social and Cultural problem 

Biological Factors 

      Meternal malnutrition 

      Infection 

      Dietary factor bulky food 

With low nutritional value.

Environmental factors 

  Over croweded and or unsanitary living condition

Agricultural patterns, droughts, floods, wars and forced.

Age of the host more frequent among infant and young children.