An observational analysis of profile and outcome of children with malnutrition admitted at malnutrition treatment centre

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Nutritional status is an important health indicator and children bear maximum burden of it. Poor nutrition during first thousand days of a child’s life can lead to stunted growth. Comorbid condition adversely affects treatment outcome of malnutrition. This study is aimed to describe the profile and treatment outcome of malnourished children. Materials and Methods: This record-based retrospective, analytical observational study was conducted from October to December 2020. Data of severe acute malnourished children who were admitted in malnutrition treatment centre during August 2017 to September 2020, collected. Totally, 264 eligible children were enrolled in the study. The data were collected through medical records of patients. Data were entered in excel spreadsheet and analysed. Results: Most of the children belonged to 6-24 months of age, almost equal proportion of male and female, and more than three-fourth of children were from rural area. The mean length of stay in hospital was 15.19 ± 6.64 days and average weight gain of children was 7.6 ± 6.7 gm/kg/day. There was significant increase in Z-score (Weight/Height) and MUAC at the time of discharge (P value <0.05). There was no significant association of treatment outcome with the presence of comorbidities (P value >0.05). Conclusion: Most vulnerable age group for malnutrition was 6 months to 2 years. Majority of children with malnutrition improve with standard treatment protocol of malnutrition. We can improve the ability of community health workers to significantly reduce child malnutrition at the primary care level and in the community by equipping them with the required knowledge, tools, and assistance.