Nutrition governance, good governance for nutrition and nutritional status of children under-five year old in Laguna, Philippines

ABSTRACT

@#ntroduction Governance affects nutrition improvement. This study aimed to determine the association between nutrition governance (NG), nutritional status (NS) of children under five years (CU5) and good governance for nutrition (GGN) in Laguna, where malnutrition is a chronic problem. Methods: This crosssectional study obtained data from thirty cities and municipalities (C/M) using desk review and face-to-face interviews. A developed scorecard generated NG and GGN data using 3-point scale with "0" as lowest/absence to "1" indicating partial to "2" as highest/full compliance. Total NG scores was 26 while 38 for GGN. NS was determined using Operation Timbang Plus data. Spearman's rank analysis statistically determined the associations between NG, NS, and GGN. Results: Underweight and wasting prevalence were low (6.1% and 3.4%) while stunting was high (17.7%). The median percentage scores of C/M on NG and GGN were 73.0%±14.0% and 82.0%±24.0%, respectively. Rosa City and Kalayaan had the highest NG score and the lowest underweight prevalence in urban and rural areas, respectively. Significant but negative associations were found between NG and underweight (r=-0.729, p<0.001), and stunting (r=-0.753, p<0.001). Likewise, GGN and underweight (r=-0.488, p=0.006), and stunting (r=-0.380, p=0.046) showed negative associations. Conclusion: C/M in Laguna with higher NG and GGN scores have lower CU5 underweight and stunting prevalence. The study recommended to local governments to invest in establishing separate nutrition unit, hiring technical and administrative staffs, formulating vision and mission, and building capacity on nutrition programme management.