Introduction:

Cyclone Idai triggered severe changes in the living standards of the population in Dombe, Mozambique.

Objective:

To assess the nutritional status, and characterise food consumption of children under five years of age and pregnant and lactating women (PLW).

Methods:

Cross-sectional study with probabilistic sampling by conglomerates complemented by simple random sampling. The nutritional status of children and PLW was assessed by weighing, measuring height and brachial perimeter and characterising food consumption by applying food frequency questionnaires (FFQ).

Results:

In children under five years of age, there was a prevalence of severe acute malnutrition of 2.1% and moderate acute malnutrition, 4.1%. Regarding severe acute malnutrition, the prevalence was 19.8% and moderate acute malnutrition, 22.1%. Severe low weight was 3.6% and moderate low weight, 7.8%. The prevalence of overweight was 7.7% and obesity 1.8%. Pregnant and lactating women were diagnosed with moderate acute malnutrition (4.7%). Food consumption in the populations is characterised by the consumption of cereals and derivatives, vegetables and dried or river fish.

Conclusion:

Nutritional status of children and PLW is normal, however cases of malnutrition were observed. Food consumption of both populations is unbalanced.

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