Severity of Malnutrition and Treatment Responses in under Five Children in Bahir Dar Felegehiwot Referal Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Malnutrition is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children under the age of five in developing countries. Ethiopia being one of these countries, malnutrition is an important public health problem. However, little information is available on the severity of malnutrition and treatment responses in under five children especially in hospital settings. Objective: To determine the severity of malnutrition and treatment responses of severe acute malnutrition in children under the age of five and to identify its associated factors. Methodology: ensus method was used and a retrospective data of about 1639 under five children admitted to Felegehiwot Referral Hospital (pediatrics department) form November 2012 –November 2013 were studied for severe acute malnutrition and its treatment responses. Results: In the study period, a total of 1639 children less than 5 years of age were admitted to FHRH pediatric department, and out of that 145 were under five years old with a diagnosis of malnutrition malnourished characteristics. Hence, the proportion of under five aged children affected with malnutrition from this one-year retrospective data in FHRH was about 8.8%. From the total of 145 malnourished children, about 93(64.1%) were detected for wasting/acute malnutrition and about 36 (24.8%) were affected with severe wasting or severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Among the malnourished children, about 133(91.7 %) were detected for stunting (chronic malnutrition) and about 65(44.8%) were affected with severe stunting. Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that the proportion of malnutrition in under five children is high especially during 1-2 years old group. Among the malnourished children detected (145), the level of stunting/chronic malnutrition was higher than wasting/acute malnutrition (91.7% vs64.1%, respectively). The level of severe chronic stunting investigated was also found higher than the level of SAM (44.8% vs 24.8%, respectively). Better responses of treatment and condition at discharge were observed by using different therapeutic combinations after admission. To reduce childhood malnutrition especially in under five children, due emphasis should be given in improving the knowledge and practice of parents on appropriate infant and young child feeding practices and treatment service practices from nearby health facilities.