A study of effectiveness of nutritional interventions on children with severe acute malnutrition admitted in nutrition rehabilitation centers of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of under-nutrition among under-five children is high and varies widely. Children with severe acute malnutrition require immediate attention along with proper nutritional rehabilitation not only to decrease mortality but also to achieve full potential after recovery. Nutrition rehabilitation centres (NRCs) were started to control severe malnutrition and decrease the prevalence of severe malnourished children to less than 1% among children aged 1–5 years.Methods: The present study was conducted from July 2016 to June 2017; 500 children admitted to five different NRCs in Bhopal district of Madhya Pradesh were observed during their stay at NRCs and children were followed up during a period of 6 months after discharge from NRCs. Mothers of the children were interviewed on various health issues of children and feeding practices at the NRCs using a predesigned and pretested interview schedule.Results: The study group consisted of 252 boys and 248 girls; 51.20% were between 13 and 36 months of age. All 500 children were analysed for anthropometric indicators. A statistically significant difference was obtained between the weight of children at admission, discharge and follow up (ANOVA=106.2, p<0.001); difference of mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) at admission, discharge and follow up was also statistically significant (ANOVA=24.02, p<0.001). The average weight gain during the stay at the centers was 8.95±3.59 g/kg/day. The mothers of the children lacked adequate information on health issues and composition and preparation of nutrient rich diets for their children.Conclusions: The NRCs were effective in improving the condition of admitted children, but the effects were not well sustained following discharge due to lack of adequate parental awareness and action.