UNITED REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON NATIONAL NUTRITION SURVEY; FINAL REPORT

The survey was designed to compare nutritional levels among selected areas of the nation and to provide information on diet, socioeconomic factors, health, and demographic variables. Information was collected on anthropometry (body measurements), clinical signs, and hemoglobin assessment. In addition, interviews with the mother or her substitute were conducted concerning household and family characteristics and diet. The sample comprised 5689 children aged three months to five years, 3350 mothers and 3383 households. A multi-stage cluster sampling technique was used, based on population proportions by province with the major cities of Yaounde/Douala combined. Statistically valid descriptions of undernutrition prevalence rates were obtained for five provinces and groupings (Central South, East, North, South-West/Littoral and North-West/West) and for Yaounde/Douala. The survey demonstrated that 25 children under five are chronically undernourished and 40% suffer from anemia. Measles are widespread and contribute to 25% of deaths of young children. Also, mothers with goiter problems appear to be endemic in certain parts of the nation. Recommended responses to this situation include: (1) creation of a national structure to study problems of food and nutrition, (2) study and design of a goiter intervention strategy, (3) intensification of measles vaccination campaigns (4) establishment of a nutrition education and promotion program, and (5) convocation of a nutrition seminar/workshop in Yaounde. Two brief lists of bibliographic references concerning nutrition and survey methodologies (from 1955 to 1977) are provided in the report on page 14 and page 217.