S. Amer

Children's perception of their city centre: a qualitative GIS methodological investigation in a Dutch city

Children represent a population group that is much neglected in the city planning process. Their perceptions, which are different from those of adults, are usually not incorporated in the design of cities. The aim of this paper is to present a qualitative GIS approach to capture childrens perceptions of the urban environment. It gives a detailed insight into why certain perceptions occur and what the associated physical and social qualities are. The approach considers children as active participants and combines quantitative and qualitative methods. Twenty-eight children aged 10–17 were involved in examining the city-centre area of Enschede, the Netherlands. The results show both similarity and heterogeneity in perception (e.g. based on gender and age group) and the emergence of new location-specific qualities (e.g. natural elements, smart technologies, economic functions). It concludes with a discussion on the potential of incorporating this approach in urban planning processes.

Predictors of stunting with particular focus on complementary feeding practices: A cross-sectional study in the Northern Province of Rwanda

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to review the factors associated with stunting in the northern province of Rwanda by assessing anthropometric status, dietary intake, and overall complementary feeding practices. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study with 138 children 5 to 30 mo of age. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics of each mother and child and breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices. Anthropometric status was assessed using height-for-age z-scores for children and body mass index for caregivers. Dietary intakes were estimated using a 24-h recall. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were performed to study the predictors of height-for-age z scores and stunting. RESULTS There was a 42% stunting prevalence. Prevalence of continued breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding were 92% and 50%, respectively. Most children (62%) fell into the low dietary diversity score group. The nutrient intake from complementary foods was below recommendations. The odds of stunting were higher in children >12 mo of age (odds ratio [OR], 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.29). Exclusive breastfeeding (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.10-0.48) and deworming tablet use in the previous 6 mo (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.07-0.80) decreased significantly the odds of stunting in children. Also, the body mass index of the caretaker (β = 0.08 kg/m2; 95% CI, 0.00-0.17) and dietary zinc intake (β = 1.89 mg/d; 95% CI, 0.29-3.49) were positively associated with the height-for-age z scores. CONCLUSION Interventions focusing on optimal nutrition during the complementary feeding stage, exclusive breastfeeding, and the use of deworming tablets have the potential to substantially reduce stunting in children in the northern province of Rwanda.

Data on child complementary feeding practices, nutrient intake and stunting in Musanze District, Rwanda

Stunting prevalence in Rwanda is still a major public health issue, and data on stunting is needed to plan relevant interventions. This data, collected in 2015, presents complementary feeding practices, nutrient intake and its association with stunting in infants and young children in Musanze District in Rwanda. A household questionnaire and a 24-h recall questionnaire were used to collect the data. In total 145 children aged 5–30 months participated in the study together with their caregivers. The anthropometric status of children was calculated using WHO Anthro software [1] according to the WHO growth standards [2]. The complementary feeding practices together with households’ characteristics are reported per child stunting status. The nutrient intake and food group consumption are presented per age group of children. Also, the percentage contribution of each food groups to energy and nutrient intake in children is reported. The data also shows the association between zinc intake and age groups of children. Using multiple linear regression, a sensitivity analysis was done with height-for-age z-score as the dependent variable and exclusive breastfeeding, deworming table use, BMI of caregiver, dietary zinc intake as independent variables. The original linear regression model and a detailed methodology and analyses conducted are presented in Uwiringiyimana et al. [3].

Spatio-temporal dynamics of schistosomiasis in Rwanda between 2001 and 2012: Impact of the national neglected tropical disease control programme

Schistosomiasis is recognised as a major public health problem in Rwanda. We aimed to identify the spatio-temporal dynamics of its distribution at a fine-scale spatial resolution and to explore the impact of control programme interventions. Incidence data of Schistosoma mansoni infection at 367 health facilities were obtained for the period 2001-2012. Disease cluster analyses were conducted using spatial scan statistics and geographic information systems. The impact of control interventions was assessed for three distinct sub-periods. Findings demonstrated persisting, emerging and re-emerging clusters of schistosomiasis infection across space and time. The control programme initially caused an abrupt increase in incidence rates during its implementation phase. However, this was followed by declining and disappearing clusters when the programme was fully in place. The findings presented should contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of schistosomiasis distribution to be used when implementing future control activities, including prevention and elimination efforts.