Neglected Growth Retardation in Children Aged 6-59 Months in Developing Countries: Case of a Sub-neighborhood of Abidjan Cocody – Angré (Ivory Coast)

The aim of this work is to evaluate the growth retardation observed on children from 6 to 59 months in a suburb of Abidjan Cocody Angre. To this end, a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was conducted at the community-based health facility in Abidjan (Cocody-Angre) over a three-month period (August to October 2016). In the course of this study, 958 children and mothers / accompanying persons were consulted. Of these children, 58 were suffering from retardation growth. Data were collected during the study period through the availability of structure staff, the use of growth curve tables and exchanges with selected mothers using individual questionnaires. These anthropometric data have been determined and compared with international ones. This study found that the age group of 12-23 months was more affected (41%) by stunting, most of whom had a low birth weight (57%) and belonged to a family where siblings exceeded more than 3 children (95%). Moreover, these results should be complemented by further studies to better define the scope of actions to effectively combat malnutrition in children in the CocodyAngre health area in Ivory Coast.