Anthropometric Measurements Of Children Research Articles

Nutritional status and concomitant factors of stunting among pre-school children in Malda, India: A micro-level study using a multilevel approach

BackgroundMalnutrition was the main cause of death among children below 5 years in every state of India in 2017. Despite several flagship programmes and schemes implemented by the Government of India, the latest edition of the Global Nutrition Report 2018 addressed that India tops in the number of stunted children, which is a matter of concern. Thus, a micro-level study was designed to know the level of nutritional status and to study this by various disaggregate levels, as well as to examine the risk factors of stunting among pre-school children aged 36–59 months in Malda.MethodA primary cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted using structured questionnaires following a multi-stage, stratified simple random sampling procedure in 2018. A sum of 731 mothers with at least one eligible child aged 36–59 months were the study participants. Anthropometric measures of children were collected following the WHO child growth standard. Children were classified as stunted, wasted, and underweight if their HAZ, WHZ, and WAZ scores, respectively, were less than −2SD. The random intercept multilevel logistic regression model has been employed to estimate the effects of possible risk factors on childhood stunting.ResultsThe prevalence of stunting in the study area is 40% among children aged 36–59 months, which is a very high prevalence as per the WHO’s cut-off values (≥40%) for public health significance. Results of the multilevel analysis revealed that preceding birth interval, low birth weight, duration of breastfeeding, mother’s age at birth, mother’s education, and occupation are the associated risk factors of stunting. Among them, low birth weight (OR 2.22, 95% CI: 1.44–3.41) and bidi worker as mothers’ occupation (OR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.18–3.12) are the most influencing factors of stunting. Further, about 14 and 86% variation in stunting lie at community and child/household level, respectively.ConclusionSpecial attention needs to be placed on the modifiable risk factors of childhood stunting. Policy interventions should direct community health workers to encourage women as well as their male partners to increase birth interval using various family planning practices, provide extra care for low birth weight baby, that can help to reduce childhood stunting.

Показатели физического развития детей с целиакией

Актуальность. Учитывая клинический полиморфизм целиакии, заболевание нередко в течение нескольких лет остается недиагностированным, что приводит к развитию серьезных изменений нутритивного статуса и задержки роста. Цель исследования: оценить физическое развитие детей и подростков на основании комплексного анализа антропометрических показателей в периоде клинической манифестации целиакии. Материалы и методы. Проанализированы результаты обследования 59 детей и подростков в возрасте от 6 месяцев до 18 лет с верифицированным диагнозом «целиакия». Антропометрические измерения проводились утром по общепринятым методикам. Данные антропометрических измерений детей оценивались по региональным стандартам. Рассчитывалось отклонение показателя длины тела относительно возраста (SDS длины тела), массы тела относительно длины тела (SDS массы тела). Статистическая обработка включала подсчет среднего арифметического значения каждого из показателей (М), среднего квад­ратичного отклонения (s), средней ошибки среднеарифметической (m), достоверности различий средних величин по t-критерию Стьюдента (р < 0,05). Результаты. Показатели физического развития детей с целиакией существенно отличались в зависимости от возраста верификации диагноза и продолжительности латентного периода заболевания. В структуре клинических проявлений у больных в остром периоде целиакии на первом месте находится задержка физического развития — 84,7 % человек. При этом в 76,3 % детей зарегистрирован дефицит массы тела: I степени — у 71,1%, II степени — у 22,2% и III степени — у 6,7 % случаев. Задержка роста установлена у 52,35 % детей: соматогенный нанизм обнаружен у 10,1 % больных, а низкорослость — у 42,3 % детей. Оценка стадии атрофии в соответствии с классификацией Marsh-Oberhuber показала, что у детей с более выраженной формой дефицита массы тела диагностирован тип Marsh 3C, тогда как при незначительном отставании показателей массы тела диагностированы типы Marsh 3A и Marsh 3В. Выводы. Антропометрические показатели пациентов с целиакией находятся в обратной зависимости от длительности латентного периода и возраста диагностики заболевания. У детей раннего возраста дефицит массы тела преобладает над задержкой роста, тогда как у старших детей отмечается замедление темпов роста с формированием низкорослости и соматогенного нанизма.

The relationship between dietary intake and stunting among pre-school children in Upper Egypt.

Linear growth is controlled by several factors, malnutrition is one of the leading causes of stunted child growth. The objective of this study was to determine the dietary intakes associated with stunting among pre-school children in rural Upper Egypt. Community-based cross-sectional study. Data were collected by interviewing the children's caregivers in the rural household setting. The study included 497 pre-school children aged 2-5 years in rural Upper Egypt. Food intake data were estimated using 24-h recall method. Anthropometric measurements of children were taken and then converted to z-scores for weight-for-age Z-score, height-for-age Z-score and weight-for-height Z-score. The study included 497 children of which 19·1 % were stunted, 76·3 % did not meet recommended energetic intake and 13·7 % did not meet recommended protein intake and this was significantly higher than non-stunted children. Children who were stunted significantly consumed poultry, eggs and fruits less often than non-stunted children, by regression; male sex (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1·91), mother's age (0·93), lower socio-economic status (SES); and not meeting recommended protein intake (aOR = 2·26) were found to be associated with stunting. Male sex, younger mothers, lower SES and not meeting recommended energy and protein were statistically associated with stunting. Nutrition education messages encouraging adequate and healthy eating are recommended.

Effect of Oral Nutritional Supplementation on Growth in Children with Undernutrition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are used to promote catch-up growth in children with undernutrition. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the evidence of ONS intervention effects on growth for 9-month- to 12-year-old children who were undernourished or at nutritional risk. Eleven randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria; trials compared changes in anthropometric measures in children using ONS or ONS + DC (dietary counselling) to measures for those following usual diet or placebo or DC alone. The RCTs included 2287 children without chronic diseases (mean age 5.87 years [SD, 1.35]; 56% boys). At follow-up time points up to 6 months, results showed that children in the ONS intervention group had greater gains in weight (0.423 kg, [95% confidence interval 0.234, 0.613], p < 0.001) and height (0.417 cm [0.059, 0.776], p = 0.022) versus control; greater gains in weight (0.089 kg [0.049, 0.130], p < 0.001) were evident as early as 7–10 days. Longitudinal analyses with repeated measures at 30, 60, and 90 days showed greater gains in weight parameters from 30 days onwards (p < 0.001), a trend towards greater height gains at 90 days (p = 0.056), and significantly greater gains in height-for-age percentiles and Z-scores at 30 and 90 days, respectively (p < 0.05). Similar results were found in subgroup analyses of studies comparing ONS + DC to DC alone. For children with undernutrition, particularly those who were mildly and moderately undernourished, usage of ONS in a nutritional intervention resulted in significantly better growth outcomes when compared to control treatments (usual diet, placebo or DC alone).

Post-COVID-19 ergonomic school furniture design under fuzzy logic.

Because of wrong sitting position, children have back-pain and related musculoskeletal pain (MPD). Due to inappropriate designed class furniture by not taking into account the children's anthropometric measurements have negative effect on children musculoskeletal systems. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis has changed the furniture industry's production trends. This study aimed to develop a new fuzzy based design of ergonomic-oriented classroom furniture for primary school students considering the measured anthropometric dimensions of students' safety, health, well-being, i.e. ergonomic criteria, socio-psychological aspect and post-COVID policies. In the study 2049 number of primary school students are assessed considering COVID-19 pandemic policies and their static anthropometric dimensions were measured between 7-10-year-old (between 1st-4th grade students) and descriptive statistics of children among their ages and genders are calculated; mean, standard deviation, percentiles. The data collected from the students were analyzed quantitatively by using Significance Analysis: Mann-Whitney U test statistic, t-test, Regression Analysis and one-way ANOVA. In the study interviews with experts are performed and fuzzy mathematical model (by using fuzzy-AHP, fuzzy-TOPSIS and fuzzy-VIKOR) is developed to calculate Turkey's three schools' furniture. Results showed statistically significant differences between two genders. And it is observed that the seating bench height is too high for primary school students and lower than the height of the classroom's blackboard from the floor. Fuzzy Multi Criteria Decision Making Method's (FMCDM) results show that primary school students' ergonomic classroom furniture should be mainly designed by considering "COVID-19 Criteria", "Ergonomic Criteria" and "Socio-Psychological Aspect". Students' existing seating benches and tables are changed by considering post-COVID policies/protocols, Ergonomic Criteria and Socio-Psychological Aspect. And a new seating bench/chair and table's dimensions is proposed in the study. Children study at school for long periods and their activities involve long periods of time on their desks in schools. As per the results of the study, it can be concluded that school management must consider the genders, ages of students and take into account the post-COVID policies/protocols while procuring the classroom furniture. The COVID-19 pandemic is the single largest event to have affected children globally in their access to school in recent times; estimates suggest that over 85%of the world's total enrolled learners, 1.5 billion children and youths, have been affected. The coronavirus pandemic also creates dramatic changes for the school furniture.

Birthweight-for-gestational-age z-scores are associated with early childhood cardiometabolic health in the Peri/Postnatal Epigenetic Twin Study.

Birthweight has been consistently related to risk of cardiometabolic disorders in later life. Twins are at higher risk of low birthweight than singletons, so understanding the links between birthweight and cardiometabolic health may be particularly important for twins. However, evidence for the association of birthweight with childhood markers of cardiometabolic health in twins is currently lacking. Previous studies have often failed to appropriately adjust for gestational age or fully implement twin regression models. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association of birthweight-for-gestational-age z-scores with childhood cardiometabolic health in twins, using within-between regression models. The Peri/Postnatal Epigenetic Twins Study is a Melbourne-based prospective cohort study of 250 twin pairs. Birthweight was recorded at delivery, and childhood anthropometric measures were taken at 18-month and 6-year follow-up visits. Associations of birthweight with markers of cardiometabolic health were assessed at the individual, between- and within-pair level using linear regression with generalised estimating equations. Birthweight-for-gestational-age z-scores were associated with height, weight and BMI at 18 months and 6 years, but not with blood pressure (twins-as-individual SBP: β = 0.15, 95% CI: -0.81, 1.11; twins-as-individual DBP: β = 0.22, 95% CI: -0.34, 0.77). We found little evidence to indicate that the within-between models improved on the twins-as-individuals models. Birthweight was associated with childhood anthropometric measures, but not blood pressure, after appropriately adjusting for gestational age. These associations were consistent across the within-between and twins-as-individuals models. After adjusting for gestational age, results from the twins-as-individuals models are consistent with singleton studies, so these results can be applied to the general population.

Correlation of Serum Ferritin and Adenosine Deaminase with Body Mass Index in Children: A cross-sectional study

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to correlate the levels of two markers of inflammation, serum Ferritin and adenosine deaminase (ADA), with anthropometric measurements in children. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in a total of 60 apparently healthy children (30 in each group), aged 6–14 years whose anthropometric measurements were taken and grouped as normal and obese as per body mass index (BMI), and their serum levels of ADA, Ferritin and Lipids were analyzed. Results: Serum Ferritin, ADA, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the obese compared to normal children. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly higher in obese children, though the diastolic BP was similar across the groups. There was a strong positive correlation of the SBP, serum Ferritin and ADA with BMI. Ferritin showed a statistically significant positive correlation with waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-hip ratio (WHR), and triceps skinfold thickness. ADA, too, positively correlated with all anthropometric values, though it was statistically significant only with the SBP and WHR. Conclusion: Serum Ferritin and ADA, which are markers of inflammation, were elevated in obese children compared to normal children. These biochemical markers may predict non-communicable diseases than cumbersome markers like anthropometric indices in the future.

Sonographic evaluation of spleen size in apparently healthy children in north-west Ethiopia, 2020: time to define splenomegaly

BackgroundAssessment of spleen size is an important part of the clinical skills of medical students and physicians. Many diseases can affect the size of the aforementioned organ, ranging from infective processes to malignant disorders. However, to detect changes, prior knowledge of the actual normal size of these viscera is required in the population being studied. Establishing a customized chart and curve for a specific population of the same sociodemographic characteristics enables a better interpretation of sonographic assessments.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 403 children in primary and referral hospitals of the east and west Gojjam zone. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, physical examination, and ultrasound. The collected data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exports to SPSS version 24 for analysis. Descriptive data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A Pearson product-moment correlation was run to determine the relationship between age, anthropometric measurements of children, and ultrasound measurements of the spleen. Reference intervals were established using non-parametric reference limits (2.5th -97.5th ) and (5th – 97th ) percentiles by MedCalc software version 20.0.3.ResultsFour hundred three children aged from 7 to 15 years were included in this study. The mean sonographic longitudinal (length), anteroposterior(depth) and transverse (width) dimension of the spleen was, (8.24 ± 1.26 cm), (3.98 ± 0.57 cm), and (4.26 ± 0.59 cm) respectively. The mean volume of the spleen was 75.04 ± 23.92 cm3. The height and body surface area of children were best correlated with sonographic dimensions of the spleen. Reference intervals were established using height, age, and body surface area specific for clinically practical dimensions of the spleen.ConclusionsAccording to this study, the children are considered as having enlarged longitudinal dimension of the spleen(splenomegaly) if he or she has a size above 97.5th percentile based on their respective height.

Associations between mother-child dyad dietary patterns and child anthropometric measures among 6-year-old children.

The goals of this study were to study relationships between maternal and children's dietary patterns (DPs) and to assess how children's DP was associated with child anthropometry. This cross-sectional study included 788 pairs of 6-year-old girls and mothers in health centers in Tehran, Iran. Information on dietary intake was collected with a 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Principal component factor analysis was performed to label different data-driven dietary patterns. Three different binary logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations between child's DPs and child anthropometry. A positive correlation was found between all maternal patterns and child's Western DP (p < 0.001). Maternal prudent and Western DPs were correlated with child's high-protein DP (p < 0.001). Children's high-protein DP was negatively correlated with maternal high fat DP (p < 0.001). Maternal prudent and high fat DPs were correlated with prudent DP in children (p < 0.001). In adjusted models, a child being in the highest compared to the first quartile of the high-protein DP was associated with decreased odds of underweight and wasting (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.23-0.80).Conclusion: The present study showed inverse associations between a high-protein DP in children and being underweight and wasted. Also, a positive correlation was found between all maternal DPs and children's Western DPs. This correlation should be taken into account while managing child nutrition by means of educating parents on the influence of their own dietary pattern on their children. Moreover, getting enough protein through a balanced diet should be considered in children. What is Known: • Some research exists on the intake of specific foods in relation to risk of abnormal growth in children. • Less is known about the relationship between mothers' and children's food intake. What is New: • Better adherence to a high-protein dietary pattern was significantly associated with lower risk of being both underweight and wasted. • This study suggests that correlation between mothers' and their children's dietary patterns exists, which should be taken into consideration when managing child nutrition.

Dental caries among Finnish teenagers participating in physical activity and diet intervention: association with anthropometrics and behavioural factors

BackgroundAn association between childhood anthropometric measurements and dental caries is conflicting. The prevalence and severity of dental caries and its association with anthropometric and behavioural factors, were investigated among Finnish teenagers.MethodsThe study sample comprised 202 15–17-year-old participants in the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) Study. Dental caries findings were recorded using International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) criteria, including activity estimation; numbers of decayed teeth (DT) and decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) were recorded. Body weight, height and waist circumference were measured and respective body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Body fat percentage was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Health-related behaviours and consumption of food and drinks were assessed using questionnaires, and intake of nutrients using a 4-day food record.ResultsMean DMFT for all the participants was 2.4 (SD = 2.9), DT 0.6 (SD = 1.3), and 36% had DMFT = 0. No difference between genders was observed. In bivariate analyses, use of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) three times or less per week and not having used snuff associated significantly, whereas higher carbohydrate intake (E%), toothbrushing less often than twice a day and higher caries experience at baseline almost significantly with DT > 0. In adjusted regression analyses, frequent use of SSB and higher carbohydrate intake increased the odds for DT > 0. Additionally, higher carbohydrate intake (E%) and infrequent tooth brushing significantly associated with a higher number of DT.ConclusionCaries prevalence is still low and similar in Finnish teenage girls and boys. Behavioural factors are, but anthropometric factors are not associated with dental caries.

Agricultural production diversity and child nutrition in Ethiopia

This study investigates how two aspects of agricultural production diversity – farm production diversity and composition of production – relate to child height-for-age and weight-for-height in Ethiopia. We use longitudinal data on child anthropometric measurements, household farm production diversity and farm production composition from the Ethiopia Socioeconomic Survey for 2011, 2013, and 2015 available through the World Bank. Using longitudinal fixed effects models, we show that an increase in farm production diversity reduces the risk of chronic food insecurity (child height-for-age) but has no impact on acute measures of food insecurity (child weight-for-height). Results also suggest that, in a context of poor rainfall, more diversity in farm production can adversely impact child height-for-age, although livestock sales might mitigate that detrimental effect. These findings highlight the importance of considering the relationship between farm-level food production and child nutrition in a context of climate change.

Impact of promoting healthy infant feeding practices on energy intake and anthropometric measures of children up to 6years of age: A randomised controlled trial.

The first 2years of life are the window of opportunity to promote healthy feeding practices. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the impact of a health workers training in infant dietary guidelines on energy intake and anthropometric measurement into childhood. Cluster randomised field trial (NCT00635453) was conducted in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Healthcare centres were randomised into intervention (n=9) and control (n=11) groups. In intervention sites, health workers were trained to promote healthy feeding practices based on the Brazilian guideline for children's nutrition. Pregnant women who were in the last trimester of pregnancy were registered as potential mothers who would receive dietary counselling from the health workers. Energy and macronutrient intake and anthropometric measurements were obtained from children at ages 6months, 12months, 3years and 6years from low-income families. At age 3years, intervention group had lower consumption of energy [-92.5kcal; 95% confidence interval (CI)=-153.5 to -31.5], carbohydrates (-11.9g; 95% CI=-19.9 to -2.3), and total fat (-3.9g; 95% CI=-6.2 to -1.2), compared to the control group. At 6years of age, children in the intervention group had lower waist circumference (-1.3cm; 95% CI=-2.7 to -0.0), triceps (-1.3mm; 95% CI=-2.5 to -0.0) and subscapular skinfolds (-1.3mm; 16 95% CI=-2.6 to -0.0) thickness measurements compared to those in the control group. The health workers training to promote infant healthy feeding practices resulted in lower energy, carbohydrates and fat intake at 3years and lower waist circumference, triceps and subscapular skinfolds measurements at 6years.

The effect of physical activity intervention and nutritional habits on anthropometric measures in elementary school children: the health oriented pedagogical project (HOPP)

BackgroundOverweight and obesity are a burden of the modern world that requires urgent action. Prevention has proven to be efficient in the fight against overweight and obesity. As many children gain excessive weight at an early age, intervention during school years are important. While daily physical activity (PA) is known to have an influence on overweight and obesity prevention, the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including dietary habits, should not be underestimated. The aim of this study was to assess how a combination of daily PA and healthy/unhealthy diet affect the anthropometric measures of 4th graders in Norway.MethodsThe Health Oriented Pedagogical Project (HOPP) is a longitudinal intervention in primary school children, which includes increased amount of daily physical activity during teaching– active learning. Assessed were weight, muscle and bone mass, as well as fat mass, using a bio-impedance Tanita scale. A dietary survey, Ungkost 2000, with 18 multiple-choice questions was used to evaluate the overall nutrition characteristics of the children.ResultsBetween 2015 and 2018, a total of 917 (intervention group n = 614, control group n = 303) 4th graders from nine different schools from the south–east part of Norway participated. We observed that daily PA and a regular healthy diet increases—while an unhealthy diet decreases—muscle and bone mass despite daily PA. Daily PA appears to counteract some of the effects of an unhealthy diet on weight and fat mass. In addition, daily PA and a regular intake of fruits and berries lowers weight and fat mass in children with overweight.ConclusionCombination of daily 45-minute of PA and a healthy diet leads to reductions in body weight and incease in muscle and bone mass in elementary school children.

Şişman Çocuk ve Ergenlerde Depresyonun Uyku Miktarı ve Şişmanlığın Derecesi ile İlişkisi

Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between symptoms of depression and sleep duration with anthropometric measurements in obese children and adolescents.Methods: Forty children and adolescents (25 girls) diagnosed with obesity were included. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained using the sociodemographic and clinical data form. Age, gender, height and weight values were recorded; body mass index (BMI), percentile and standard deviations (SDS) were calculated. Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) was used to assess depression. The degree of obesity was classified according to the BMI values of the cases, the cases in class 1 and 2 were grouped as “subgroup 1”, and the cases in class 3 as “subgroup 2”. Groups were compared in terms of sociodemographic features, depression and sleep duration.Results: Mean age of the group was 12.8±2.6 years. There was a significant difference in patients with depression in terms of body weight, body weight SDS, BMI, BMI-SDS and sleep duration compared to those without depression. CDI scores in subgroup 2 were significantly higher than subgroup 1. CDI scores were positively correlated with body weight, BMI and BMI-SDS and negatively correlated with sleep duration. Sleep duration was negatively correlated with body weight and BMI.Conclusion: Depressive symptoms and sleep duration may be associated with the severity of obesity in children. We consider that the assessment of depression and sleep disorders by a pediatric psychiatrist is important and useful in children with obesity.

Household Food Security and Nutritional Status of Under-Five-Year Children: A Case Study of Nepal

Background: Food security refers to accessing to desirable, nutritious, and healthy foods to live a healthy and productive life. Household food insecurity is an underlying cause of malnutrition in children. In this study, the household food security and its influence on the nutritional status of under-five year children were investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from August to November 2019 in Syangja district of Nepal. Of six rural municipalities of the district, Phedikhola Rural Municipality was selected using the lottery method. We found 905 eligible households that have an under-five year child. A total of 289 children entered the study after considering the 40% overall prevalence rate of malnutrition among children under five years of age. Data were collected proportionately from each ward considering the health status and anthropometric measurements of children and household food security using a structured interview schedule and the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied to assess the situation and determine the association. Results: Food insecurity was observed in more than half (52.3%) of the households. Food insecurity was associated (P &lt; 0.001) with the socioeconomic status of the family. Prevalence of stunting (height-for-age), underweight, and wasting (weight-for-height) in children were 28.7%, 20.0%, and 13.9%, respectively. Food security, exclusive breastfeeding, and initiation time of complementary feeding were significantly associated with wasting and underweight (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Food insecurity and under-five year malnutrition were highly frequent in the study areas. The improvement of educational, occupational, and economic conditions of the households may be a solution to this problem.

A Study to Assess the Effect of Supplementary Nutrition on Nutritional Status of Preschool Children in Selected Anganwadis, Bengaluru South

Background of the Study: Protein energy malnutrition has been identified as a major health and nutrition problem in India. Hence, the investigator felt the need to evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional supplement among preschool children in selected Anganwadis, Bengaluru. Materials and Methods: Using purposive sampling technique, a total of 60 samples were selected with 30 in experimental and 30 in control group. Quasi-experimental design with pretest nutritional assessment and posttest nutritional assessment with control design is used. Results: The prereading mean weight score was 11.49 and the postreading score increased to 12.28. Similarly, the prereading mean score of height 94.32 increased to a mean score of 94.52 in posttest. While considering the head circumference of the preschool children, the pretest mean score of 47.82 changed to 48.03 during the posttest. During the pretest, the mean reading of mid-arm circumference was 14.67, which then increased to a mean value of 14.80 during the posttest. The chest circumference of the children was 50.85 during the pretest which then increased to 51.01 during the posttest. Thus, an overall improvement had occurred in the anthropometric measurements of preschool children even though statistically, it is not significant. Conclusion: The overall findings of the study revealed that there was a marked improvement in the anthropometric measurements of preschool children. Hence, it can be concluded that the nutritional supplement was effective in improving the nutritional status of the children.

Actual Weight, Perceived Weight and Desired Weight of Romanian School Children by Parents and Children.

Background and Objectives: The perception of the body weight by children and parents influences the consequent actions undertaken for children’s body weight management. This study investigated the correspondence between objective evaluations of Romanian school children (actual weight) and perceptions about weight (perceived weight), preoccupation with body weight management (desired weight) and parents’ perceptions on children’s weight. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was performed among 344 children aged 11 to 14 and 147 parents from Cluj-Napoca, Romania. We made anthropometric measurements of children, and short questionnaires were completed by the children and the parents. Results: The results show that 3.8% of children were underweight, 68.3% had a normal weight and 27.9% were overweight. Of this sample, 61.5% of underweight children, 20% of normal weight children and 43.7% of overweight children had misperceptions about their weight. The percentage of parents who did not estimate their children’s weight correctly was 50%, 11.9% and 41.5%, respectively, for each of the three weight groups. The results of the logistic regression analyses showed that several factors were associated with the misclassification of their own body weight by the children, such as body mass index, gender, weight management practices, misclassification by the parents as well as parent–child discussions on these issues. Conclusions: Education for both Romanian parents and children is needed with regard to correctly identifying and managing children’ body weight.

Association of Dental Caries and Anthropometric Measures among Primary School Children.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate an association between dental caries status and anthropometric measures in primary school children. Methods and Materials: An analytical cross-sectional study (n = 376) was conducted among primary school children (age range = 6–9 years) registered in private schools. Non-clinical data was gathered from parents of participating children through a self-administered structured questionnaire as well as from the children through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Clinical data included the examination of dental caries using dmft/DMFT index and anthropometric measures including calculated z-scores of height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), BMI-for-age (BAZ), and physical examination. Inferential statistics included Kruskal Wallis and linear regression for univariate and multivariate analysis respectively. Results: The proportion of dental caries in primary and secondary dentition was 67.6% and 8.2% respectively. A significant association was observed between dental caries status and HAZ, WAZ, and BAZ (p < 0.001). An inverse relation was found between low, medium, and high dental caries categories and anthropometric measures. Conclusions: In the primary dentition, dental caries were significantly and inversely related to weight-for-age, height-for-age, and BMI-for-age. Hence, it can be concluded that among the low-income population dental caries is associated with lower anthropometric outcomes in children and therefore caries management should be considered an approach impacting overall health and quality of life.

Global, regional and national epidemiology and prevalence of child stunting, wasting and underweight in low- and middle-income countries, 2006\u20132018

In 2016, undernutrition, as manifested in childhood stunting, wasting, and underweight were estimated to cause over 1.0 million deaths, 3.9% of years of life lost, and 3.8% of disability-adjusted life years globally. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of undernutrition in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) using the 2006–2018 cross-sectional nationally representative demographic and health surveys (DHS) data and to explore the sources of regional variations. Anthropometric measurements of children 0–59 months of age from DHS in 62 LMICs worldwide were used. Complete information was available for height-for-age (n = 624,734), weight-for-height (n = 625,230) and weight-for-age (n = 626,130). Random-effects models were fit to estimate the pooled prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight. Sources of heterogeneity in the prevalence estimates were explored through subgroup meta-analyses and meta-regression using generalized linear mixed-effects models. Human development index (a country-specific composite index based on life expectancy, literacy, access to education and per capita gross domestic product) and the United Nations region were explored as potential sources of variation in undernutrition. The overall prevalence was 29.1% (95% CI 26.7%, 31.6%) for stunting, 6.3% (95% CI 4.6%, 8.2%) for wasting, and 13.7% (95% CI 10.9%, 16.9%) for underweight. Subgroup analyses suggested that Western Africa, Southern Asia, and Southeastern Asia had a substantially higher estimated prevalence of undernutrition than global average estimates. In multivariable meta-regression, a combination of human development index and United Nations region (a proxy for geographical variation) explained 54%, 56%, and 66% of the variation in stunting, wasting, and underweight prevalence, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that regional, subregional, and country disparities in undernutrition remain, and the residual gaps to close towards achieving the second sustainable development goal—ending undernutrition by 2030.

Prevalence of early childhood caries, risk factors and nutritional status among 3-5-year-old preschool children in Kisarawe, Tanzania.

Early childhood dental caries (ECC), a serious public health problem lacks information on the association between ECC, risk factors and nutritional status among children in Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of ECC, risk factors and nutritional status among 3-5-year-old preschool children and to assess its correlation with the form, visible plaque scores in upper anterior teeth, total sugar exposure, anthropometric measures, and socio demographic attributes. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 831 children registered in public preschools in Kisarawe District. Assessment of ECC used the WHO (2013) criteria and anthropometric measures used the WHO Child Growth Standards (2006). Structured questionnaires were completed by children's parents through an interview. Collected information on socio-demographic attributes including oral hygiene and sugar exposure to their children was analyzed. Only 459 children (55.2%) were recognized as caries-free. Dental caries experience in terms of decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft) index was 2.51. Children with visible plaque were the majority (56.1%). The dmft score index was negatively and significantly associated with weight-for-age z-score [Coefficient: -0.11 (95% CI: -0.76, -0.11)] and positively significantly associated with visible plaque score index [Coefficient: 0.16 (95% CI: 0.18, 0.52)] and total sugar exposure [Coefficient: 0.19 (95% CI: 0.15, 0.38)] in the adjusted model. The prevalence of underweight was 4.2% [95% CI: (3.0-5.8)] and severe underweight was 0.2% [95% CI: (0.1-0.9)] while prevalence of stunting was 1.6% [95% CI: (0.9-2.7)] and severe stunting was 0.4% [95% CI: (0.1-1.1)]. This study demonstrated a significant negative relationship between ECC and children's anthropometric measures indicated by weight-for-age, and positive relationship with sugar exposure and poor oral hygiene indicated by visible plaque on upper anterior teeth. Controlling risk factors will reduce the occurrence of ECC thereby catering for a healthy population of well-nourished children.