Association between nutritional status of Filipino preschool children and participation in government programmes at the household and individual levels

Arias, Frances Pola S. and Ferrer, Eldridge B. (2024) Association between nutritional status of Filipino preschool children and participation in government programmes at the household and individual levels. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition (Malaysia), 30 (1). pp. 15-30. ISSN 1394 – 035X

Introduction: Health and nutrition interventions in developing countries have been linked to better thriving and survival of children. Identifying programmes with significant effect on the nutritional status of Filipino preschool children may aid in identifying impactful interventions in addressing malnutrition. This study evaluated the association between nutritional status of preschool children and government programme participation based on the 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) results. Methods: Secondary data analysis of 12,949 preschool children was performed from the 2018 ENNS. The selected data included socioeconomic, anthropometric, and self-reported household-level and individual-level government programme participation. Chi-square test for association and multiple logistic regression were conducted using Stata version 16 Results: Participation in immunisation programme, growth monitoring, household food production, and awareness and usage of iodised salt were negatively associated with at least one type of undernutrition. Consequently, participation in deworming programme was positively associated with both underweight and stunting. Regression analysis showed that preschool children who underwent growth monitoring were less likely to be stunted (OR=0.58), while those who underwent newborn screening were less likely to be underweight (OR=0.53) and stunted (OR=0.62). On the contrary, dewormed children were more likely to be stunted (OR=1.63) and those from 4Ps households were more likely to be wasted (OR=2.24). Conclusion: There is a need to re-evaluate programme strategies to maximise the benefits provided. Programmes showing significant associations with nutritional status including immunisation, growth monitoring, deworming, household food production, and awareness and usage of iodised salt should be continued and sustained with updated policies.

Full text available from: Official URL: https://maljnutr.org.my/publication/30-1/Vol%2030(...

Abstract

Introduction: Health and nutrition interventions in developing countries have been linked to better thriving and survival of children. Identifying programmes with significant effect on the nutritional status of Filipino preschool children may aid in identifying impactful interventions in addressing malnutrition. This study evaluated the association between nutritional status of preschool children and government programme participation based on the 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) results. Methods: Secondary data analysis of 12,949 preschool children was performed from the 2018 ENNS. The selected data included socioeconomic, anthropometric, and self-reported household-level and individual-level government programme participation. Chi-square test for association and multiple logistic regression were conducted using Stata version 16 Results: Participation in immunisation programme, growth monitoring, household food production, and awareness and usage of iodised salt were negatively associated with at least one type of undernutrition. Consequently, participation in deworming programme was positively associated with both underweight and stunting. Regression analysis showed that preschool children who underwent growth monitoring were less likely to be stunted (OR=0.58), while those who underwent newborn screening were less likely to be underweight (OR=0.53) and stunted (OR=0.62). On the contrary, dewormed children were more likely to be stunted (OR=1.63) and those from 4Ps households were more likely to be wasted (OR=2.24). Conclusion: There is a need to re-evaluate programme strategies to maximise the benefits provided. Programmes showing significant associations with nutritional status including immunisation, growth monitoring, deworming, household food production, and awareness and usage of iodised salt should be continued and sustained with updated policies.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	nutritional status
AGROVOC Term:	preschool children
AGROVOC Term:	participation
AGROVOC Term:	deworming
AGROVOC Term:	malnutrition
AGROVOC Term:	undernutrition
AGROVOC Term:	stunting
AGROVOC Term:	wasting disease (nutritional disorder)
AGROVOC Term:	health policies
Geographical Term:	Philippines
Uncontrolled Keywords:	government programmes, nutritional status, preschool children
Depositing User:	Ms. Azariah Hashim
Date Deposited:	22 Jul 2026 02:15
Last Modified:	22 Jul 2026 02:15
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/4042

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