Dietary profile of school-age children in rural areas of the Madagascar highlands

Malnutrition remains a major public health issue, particularly in low-income countries.  Among school-age children (6 to 15 years old), this problem compromises growth and development. In Madagascar, despite high agricultural potential, child malnutrition persists, particularly in rural areas. In response to this issue, the aim of the study is to assess the dietary profile of school-aged children in rural areas of the Vakinankaratra region. It is based on the following research question: to what extent are the nutritional needs of school-aged children met? The hypothesis suggests that energy intake is generally satisfactory, whilst protein and micronutrient intake remains insufficient. A food frequency questionnaire was administered to 269 children from different households. The data were analysed using multiple correspondence analysis, followed by discriminant factor analysis and benchmarking. Three dietary profiles emerged. Class 1 (25%) comprises the most vulnerable households, heavily reliant on starchy foods and characterised by very low dietary diversity. Class 2 (58%), the intermediate group, shows better access to animal proteins but remains deficient in protective foods. Class 3 (16%) comprises the most affluent households, whose diet is diverse. These results highlight significant nutritional inequalities and a persistent reliance on carbohydrate-rich foods, underscoring the need to implement strategies aimed at improving intakes of animal proteins, dairy products, fruit and vegetables.