Child Health Care Research Articles

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on mother and child health - the case of Ghana.

The lockdown measures in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have led to a wide range of unintended consequences for women and children. Until the outbreak of COVID-19, attention was on reducing maternal and infant mortality due to pregnancy and delivery complications. The aim of this study was to interrogate the impact of lockdown measures on women and children in two contrasting districts in Ghana - Krobo Odumase and Ayawaso West Wuogon. This study adopted the mixed-method approach using both qualitative and quantitative data. The qualitative study relied on two data collection methods to explore the impacts of COVID-19 control measures on women and children in Ghana. These were: Focus Group Discussions (FGDs; n = 12) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs; n = 18). The study complemented the qualitative data with survey data - household surveys (n = 78) which were used to support the nutrition and school closure data; and policy data gathered from government websites consisting of government responses to COVID-19. The qualitative data was analysed using the thematic approach with codes generated apriori with the NVIVO software. The quantitative data used percentages and frequencies. Engagements with participants in the study revealed that the lockdown measures implemented in Ghana had consequences on child and maternal health, and the health care system as a whole. Our study revealed, for example, that there was a decrease in antenatal and postnatal attendance in hospitals. Childhood vaccinations also came to a halt. Obesity and malnutrition were found to be common among children depending on the location of our study participants (urban and rural areas respectively). Our study also revealed that TB, Malaria and HIV treatment seeking reduced due to the fear of going to health facilities since those ailments manifest similar symptoms as COVID 19. Government responded to COVID-19 using different strategies however the policy response resulted in both intended and unintended consequences especially for women and children in Ghana. It is recommended that national policy directions should ensure the continuous provision of child and maternal healthcare services which are essential health services during lockdowns.

Debate: How much should nonspecialists be involved in mental health care for children and young people when resources are limited? Working with police forces to improve mental health crisis care for young people.

The last few years have seen a mental health crisis for children and young people in the UK, with more young people presenting to services at crisis point. Young people have reported that there is a general lack of support before reaching the point of crisis and police forces in the UK have seen a rise in callouts related to youth mental health problems. We provide an overview of the evidence for joint responses from police and mental health services and highlight the importance of including people with lived experience in the development of crisis services. Most of the available data relates to interventions for adults, with very few studies including children and young people. We outline a new study in the UK aiming to evaluate a joint response for young people experiencing a mental health crisis. Whilst resources for children and young people's crisis services remain limited, joint response models with police forces can help to provide much needed intervention.

Preventive oral healthcare for children: towards appropriate care

In recent decades, oral healthcare has shifted from curation to prevention. Preventive oral healthcare for children consists mainly of oral health education to improve health behaviors and clinical prevention such as fissure sealants, application of fluoride varnish, removal of supragingival plaque and dental polishing. In addition, the periodic clinical examination is an important preventive instrument. These 5 preventive interventions for children up to 12 years of age can be discussed using the principles of 'appropriate care'. Appropriate care is an approach of the Dutch government to ensure the accessibility, quality and affordability of care in the Netherlands. Central to the approach are the effectiveness, efficiency and patient-centeredness of care. This article describes to what extent preventive oral healthcare meets these principles based on literature, care consumption data and recommendations from the clinical guidelines 'Oral care for children: prevention and treatment of dental caries' and the 'Advice on Caries Prevention' by the Ivory Cross, a Dutch scientific association for oral health. Appropriate oral healthcare is best served by care that is tailored to both the individual oral disease burden of the patient and their risk of disease as well as to the wishes of the patient.

EMDR–Teens–cPTSD: Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Adolescents with Complex PTSD Secondary to Childhood Abuse: A Case Series

Background: Mental healthcare for children and adolescents with a history of childhood abuse constitutes a major public health issue. Indeed, abuse exposes children to severe and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) but also to neurodevelopmental and psychological repercussions impacting the developmental trajectory. Trauma-focused care is essential to avoid the chronicization of symptoms and disorders. Objective: The aim of this prospective case series study was to investigate the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) on complex post-traumatic symptoms and associated psychiatric disorders in adolescents with a history of abuse. Method: Twenty-two adolescents, aged 12 to 17, who had been abused during childhood were included. All adolescents met ICD-11 criteria for complex PTSD. Subjective measures of PTSD and associated psychiatric disorders were taken before (T0) and after 3 months of EMDR therapy (T1). Results: The average PTSD symptom score on the CPTS-RI significantly decreased from 40.2 to 34.4 after EMDR, indicating improvement in post-traumatic symptoms. A significant decrease in the average depression score (CDI from 18.2 at T0 to 10.6 at T1), anxiety score (R–CMAS from 21.3 at T0 to 13.3 at T1), emotional regulation score (ALS from 29 at T0 to 10.8 at T1), insomnia score (ISI from 18.5 at T0 to T1 of 9.2 at T1), and harmful use of alcohol and drugs score (ADOSPA from 2.3 at T0 to 0.3 at T1) was observed after EMDR therapy, as well as an increase in quality of life (CBCL 4–16 score from 57.9 at T0 to 77.4 at T1). Conclusions: The results of this study are encouraging and suggest that EMDR may be effective in the symptom management reducing post-traumatic symptoms and certain comorbid disorders frequently seen in adolescents who have experienced childhood abuse. Further research is needed on adolescent populations suffering from cPTSD (e.g., randomized controlled trials with control groups and other therapies or evaluating the action of the different phases of the study).

Knowledge and perception of asthma among parents of children with asthma.

Parents' knowledge is an integral part of healthcare quality, impacting treatment adherence, patient loyalty and healthcare utilisation in pediatric asthma. Parental knowledge is particularly crucial as parents influence decision-making for their child's healthcare. To assess parents' knowledge and perceptions of their children's asthma and to identify areas for weakness in therapeutic education. This is transversal survey study based on validated and translated self-administered questionnaire (Arabic asthma knowledge questionnaire AAKQ). The study was conducted in 2 departments: pediatric primary care department at Elomrane and pediatric pneumology outpatient clinics at Bechir Hamza children's hospital of Tunis during 6 months (March2022- October2022). One hundred forty-four parents were involved in the study. Most of the participants were mothers. The mean age was 38 years. Only 27,0% had higher education and smoking in parents was observed in 58% of cases. Our results showed moderate knowledge in 67,9% of participants. The mean of the total knowledge score was 57,7/85. Forty-six per cent of parents had poor knowledge for the first category of the questionnaire. The second category was the most successful part where only 14% had poor knowledge. The mean score of the third category was 13,5/20 with 35,4% of parents having poor knowledge. The mean of total knowledge was found to be higher among participants with higher education (P=0,000), when the gender of the child is masculine (P=0,038), when the parents were asked in Hospital of children of Tunis (P=0,003) and when there is a history of asthma in the siblings (P=0,05). No difference in caregiver's knowledge was based on their age or gender or history of asthma, on the age of the child, his hospitalization for asthma, his asthma control level or his compliance with medication. Knowledge of parents and their children suffering from asthma is acceptable but insufficient. An approach focusing on improving patient education skills is needed to help families understand and accept the disease and achieve optimal control.

Investigating the Impact of Caregiver Adverse Childhood Experiences Screening and Pediatrician-Led Discussions on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in a Majority-Hispanic Pediatric Primary Care Clinic Setting

Background: Evidence suggests that screening and provider-led discussions of parental adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may help identify at-risk families and be linked to positive health outcomes in caregivers and their children. However, the direct effect of ACEs screening and discussions on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has yet to be studied. Objectives: To determine if screening or provider-led discussions of parental ACEs are associated with inadvertent worsening of PTSD symptoms 1 week after screening. Research Design: Data was obtained as part of a cluster randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of ACEs screening and provider-led discussions on child health care utilization outcomes. Baseline surveys were completed before scheduled infant well child checks (WCCs). Providers were randomized into the standard of care or intervention (discussion) conditions. Intervention providers were trained in delivering brief trauma-informed discussions about the impact of ACEs on parenting during WCCs. Subjects: Caregivers in a pediatric primary care clinic serving predominantly Hispanic and low socioeconomically resourced families (N=179, 93% female, 87% Hispanic). Measures: The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and ACEs screening were completed at baseline. PC-PTSD-5 was repeated 1-week after screening. Results: Mixed-effects ordinal logistic regression analysis of PTSD scores from baseline to 1-week postscreening with the full sample showed no significant effect of time [odds ratio (OR)=1.21, P=0.68], group (OR=1.68, P=0.33), or their interaction (OR=0.48, P=0.21). Conclusions: Screening or brief discussion of ACEs with providers trained in trauma-informed care were not associated with worsening PTSD symptoms.

Health Care for Children in Immigration Detention.

Health Care for Children in Immigration Detention.

Functional assessment of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder in Argentina: ICF-ASD multicenter study.

Introduction. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in social communication and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. In addition to the diagnostic category, the activities performed by children and adolescents and their social involvement are the main aspects to be considered according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) proposed by the World Health Organization to describe health status. In a previous study, we developed the first version of a pediatric tool based on the ICF called ICF-ASD for the functional assessment of children and adolescents with ASD to capture functional characteristics adapted to our cultural setting. Our subsequent objective was to apply the ICF-ASD in a multicenter format to assess children and adolescents from different regions, review, and update it, and identify barriers and facilitators. Population and methods. The ICF-ASD version 1.0 was administered to children and adolescents younger than 16 years with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD (as per DSM-5 criteria), who were receiving follow-up at 5 children's health centers across Argentina. Results. Version 2.0 of the ICF-ASD was obtained, which included 34 categories (10 under body function, 15 under activities and participation, and 9 under environmental factors). A functional profile was developed for the whole sample (n = 308). Conclusions. The updated version of the ICF-ASD helps to standardize and systematize the collection of necessary data for an adequate follow-up of children and adolescents with ASD at a national level. It also allows to identify barriers to overcome and facilitators to be generalized.

Men’s perception and participation in maternal and child health care in the field practice area of a teaching hospital: A cross-sectional study from rural Bengal

ABSTRACT Introduction: Participation of men in maternal and child health (MCH) is crucial for the reduction of infant and maternal mortality. MCH care services have been focused on providing information and services to women, but males’ behaviour and decisions affect the health of the child and mother. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the perception and participation of males in MCH care as well as, to identify the association of their perception and participation with socio-demographic characteristics and to find out the correlation between perception and participation regarding MCH care. Materials and Methods: A descriptive type of observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 125 male residents from selected subcentres in Budge Budge II block of South 24 Parganas. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a predesigned, pretested, structured schedule. Multivariable binary logistic regression was done to identify the association between dependent and independent variables (P < 0.05). The correlation between perception and participation was assessed by Spearman’s rho. Results: The mean age of the participants was 34.3 (±5.6) years with most (59.2%) between the ages of 31–40 years of age. About 24% were unaware of pregnancy registration time, and 30.4% did not know the number of minimum antenatal check-ups. In total, 20% of study participants did not accompany their partner to the Antenatal Care (ANC) clinic, 6.4% did not accompany them during delivery, and almost 33.6% did not accompany their child to the immunization session. No variables were found to be significantly associated with the dependent variables. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between perception and participation (ρ = 0.3). Conclusion: Men’s perception and participation in MCH care services were found to be reasonably good though they can be improved. Awareness raises about the importance of men’s role in supporting their partner’s health during pregnancy and postpartum, as well as the overall well-being of their children through public health campaigns, community events, and targeted educational programs.

A Mass Media Campaign for Screening of Hyperglycemia in Pregnancy and Postpartum Follow-up: A Major Challenge in Resource-Constrained Settings, WDF-GDM Project, Pakistan

Abstract Background: Pakistan’s collaboration with the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) introduced a pioneering and unparalleled initiative to enhance maternal and child healthcare. The mass media campaign for the detection of hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP) via screening, management, and prevention is a significant component of this collaboration to reduce the impact of hyperglycemia on maternal-fetal health and have insight on postpartum follow-up (PPFU) trends. Materials and Methods: WDF-GDM Project encompassed an extensive mass media campaign across 29 cities in 10 regions of Pakistan. The primary objective was to establish a national standard for screening and diagnostic standards of HIP, training healthcare providers in blood glucose (BG) screening, treatment, PPFU, as well as disseminating information about pre-conception counseling. The DIPSI method, which is a single-step, non-fasting oral glucose tolerance test with a diagnostic threshold of 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L), was employed as a screening and diagnostic test. Results: A total of 17,392 pregnant women of diverse ethnic backgrounds attended antenatal visits; 77.2% (n = 13,417) underwent BG screening based on DIPSI criteria, irrespective of the period of gestation. The overall prevalence of HIP was 35.7% with gestationally impaired glucose tolerance at 25.7%, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at 9.97% postpartum, approximately 4767 women were eligible for PPFU. Among these, 7% experienced fetal loss. Of the 2376 women who completed PPFU, 81% were normoglycemic, 9% had impaired fasting glucose, 8% had impaired glucose tolerance, and 2% were diagnosed with diabetes. About 75% of women who had hyperglycemia during pregnancy reverted to normoglycemia postpartum, while a small percentage continued to have persistent diabetes. Conclusion: This study highlights a GDM prevalence of 9.97% in Pakistan and depicts the positive outcome where many women returned to normoglycemia after childbirth. Factors such as previous pregnancies, body mass index, and history of fetal loss were identified as contributors to the development of hyperglycemia during pregnancy. The WDF-GDM initiative’s approach and comprehensive methodology provide better insights for future maternal healthcare strategies in similar settings nationally and globally.

Mtoto Wetu Growth and Temperature Monitoring System for Tanzania Child Healthcare Clinics

In most government maternal and child health (MCH) clinics in sub-Saharan countries caregivers rely on manual methods for data acquisition, storage, and analysis, leading to challenges such as errors, inefficiencies, and limited accessibility. Recognising the transformative potential of digital technology, this design aims to innovate the child growth monitoring paradigm by introducing a comprehensive Digitized Child Growth Monitoring System. The "Mtoto Wetu Growth and Temperature Monitoring System" is a comprehensive framework designed to monitor and assess the growth and temperature patterns of infants and young children on a monthly basis. This system integrates various components, including anthropometric measurements, temperature monitoring, immunisation schedule, automated growth chart generation, and parental, caregiver, and health care professionals’ involvement, to provide a holistic approach to child health monitoring. Implemented with standardised protocols, training sessions, and robust data management systems, the monitoring system aims to facilitate early detection of growth abnormalities, and health concerns. By promoting early intervention, preventive care measures, parental empowerment, and continuity of care, the Mtoto Wetu system strives to optimise health outcomes, foster parental engagement, and promote health equity among children. The system was able to provide results with a small amount of error compared to the standard weighing machines, tap measure and digital thermometer

Nutritional Status of Children in Bangladesh: Changes and Challenges for Development

Despite suffering from widespread poverty, Bangladesh has made remarkable improvements in the nutritional status of children over the past three decades. This paper describes the trends in the nutritional status of children in Bangladesh by age groups, explores factors associated with these trends, and concludes with a description of future challenges for development in Bangladesh. The national-level survey (BDHS), national plan and policy paper, and literature were used for the study. It is remarkable for Bangladesh that stunting, underweight, and wasting among children under five years old has improved gradually. Children 12- 23 months of age are the most vulnerable. Living in a rural vs urban area, wealth status and maternal education are the main determinants linked to the nutritional status of children. Poverty reduction, improved water and sanitation, strengthened maternal and child health care, education and other policies linked to food and dietary practices and many other policies and programs could continue to improve nutritional levels in children in Bangladesh. Attention is also needed to under five mortality and the double burden of malnutrition. Addressing gaps in policies and programs to achieve the goals of national plans and SDG targets will pay health dividends for the entire population.

Topic identification and content analysis of internet medical policies under the background of Healthy China 2030.

This study aims to analyse the content of internet medical policies, grasp the inherent laws of the development of internet medical policies and provide references for improving the policy system. On the basis of web crawler technology, 436 internet medical policies issued by the central and local governments after the Healthy China Strategy was proposed were collected. The BERTopic model was used to extract topics, and a comprehensive analysis of China's internet medical policy texts was conducted through the analysis of topic content, topic hierarchy and topic clusters. A total of 27 topics were identified in China's internet medical policies, mainly focussing on five topic clusters: medical service regulation, elderly nursing and children's healthcare using traditional Chinese medicine, user safety guarantees, health education and communication and infectious disease treatment and recovery guidance. Different topic contents play a role in promoting the comprehensive and standardized development of internet medical services. However, there is still room for further improvement in policy integrity, consideration of multiple types of users, and implementation effectiveness. Continuous efforts are needed to optimize the effectiveness of policies.

Barriers and Facilitators to Dental Care Services Utilization Among Children With Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis.

This systematic review investigates barriers and enablers to dental care utilization by disabled children. Given the high global prevalence of disabilities in children, coupled with poor oral hygiene and a 45% rate of dental caries in this group, developing inclusive oral health strategies is critical. The review aims to synthesize literature on factors affecting oral healthcare improvement for disabled children, identifying barriers, facilitators and knowledge gaps. The review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute's methods and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search spanned multiple databases, considering perspectives from carers, parents, dentists and health professionals. The focus was on studies involving children up to age 17 with disabilities, as defined by WHO, using dental care services. Exclusions included non-qualitative studies, populations over 18 and nondisabled children. There were no restrictions on publication date or language. Thematic synthesis of the studies extracted themes related to barriers and enablers in oral healthcare for disabled children. Thematic synthesis identified five overarching themes: stigma, communication issues, professional development, oral health education and medical-dental collaboration. Facilitators included enhancing accessibility and availability of dental care through a holistic approach, improving dental care facility environments and ensuring skilled dental care providers. The review underscores the importance of interprofessional collaboration, improved parent/caregiver education and specialized dental facilities to support children with disabilities. It identifies key barriers and facilitators in dental care, including challenging stereotypes, improving communication between providers and parents, enhancing holistic training and addressing gaps in oral health education and integrated healthcare systems. Addressing the complex dynamics of dental care for disabled children is essential for developing inclusive and effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. This review highlights the need for tailored approaches and enhanced support systems to improve oral health outcomes in this vulnerable population. The members of the family support department, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Organization for Rare Disease and Disability who provided the disability voice and contributed to providing input to the review protocol.

Using Neuropsychological Profiling to Tailor Mental Health Care for Children and Youth: a Quality Improvement Project to Measure Feasibility.

Precision child and youth mental healthcare has great potential to improve treatment success by tailoring interventions to individual needs. An innovative care pathway in a pediatric mental health outpatient clinic was designed to allow for neuropsychology data to be integrated in psychotherapeutic care. This paper describes the feasibility of this new pathway, including implementation outcomes, acceptability, and potential for future integration. The target population was outpatients 6-17years old referred for individual treatment to a tertiary outpatient mental health (OPMH) clinic. The new care pathway was co-developed by neuropsychologists and mental health practitioners. A logic model was created to guide the evaluation, which was informed by the Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance framework. As part of the logic model, a stepped assessment protocol was implemented, and reports on neuropsychological function were shared with patients, caregivers, and care providers. Evaluation data were collected from phone surveys, questionnaires, a focus group, and administrative records. Forty-two patients scheduled to receive therapy over a 6-month period were offered the opportunity to participate in the new care pathway and 39 (93%) agreed. Self-reported outcome data showed that 83% of patients and 94% of caregivers valued neuropsychology-informed care, with some describing it as transformative. Almost all practitioners (91%) reported that the project added value to their clinical care. There were no adverse effects on participants nor the flow of patients through the system. Neuropsychology-informed pediatric OPMH care was feasible and well-received. Clinical effectiveness should be studied in an experimental trial.

Access to Maternal and Child Health Care Services in Primary Health Care Centers in Nigeria: Perspectives from Primary Health Care Nurses

Access to Maternal and Child Health Care Services in Primary Health Care Centers in Nigeria: Perspectives from Primary Health Care Nurses

Clinical Study of Cutaneous Manifestations in Neonates in A Tertiary Care Center in Eastern Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: In the neonatal period, a variety of cutaneous symptoms are frequent. To minimize unneeded therapy and to reduce parents' stress, it's important to distinguish between transient and pathological newborn dermatoses. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical pattern of cutaneous lesions in neonates. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive(IRC/1885/020) study , we enrolled 512 neonates born and admitted in maternal child health care ward and Post Natal ward of a tertiary health care cener irrespective of cutaneous manifestations. Convenience sampling technique was used. They were examined till their stay in hospital and followed up weekly via telephone for development of dermatological manifestations. Results: Out of 512 neonates examined, 415 (81.05%) of neonate had at least one cutaneous manifestation.393 (94.69%) had physiological skin lesions, 22 (5.31%) had pathological skin lesions. The most common physiological skin manifestations were sebaceous gland hyperplasia, mongolian spot, ETN, milia and epstein pearl. The pathological cutaneous manifestations though least common comprised of cradle cap, napkin dermatitis and bacterial infections. Most of the lesions were present within 24 hours of birth and many of them were physiological transient lesion. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study highlights the high prevalence of cutaneous manifestations in neonates, with the majority being physiological in nature. Medical personnel must be well versed in the skin changes of neonates which will further help prevent unnecessary treatment and identify life threatening situations that require additional attention.

Assessment of Barriers to Access and Utilization of Reproductive and Child Healthcare Services in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review

The new Sustainable Development Goals (SDG3) for 2030 aim to promote excellent health and well-being, as well as reduce mother and infant mortality, by ensuring equal access to reproductive and child healthcare services. Compromises in access to reproductive and child healthcare services in SubSaharan Africa contribute to a rise in maternal and newborn mortality. A desk study was conducted to look into barriers to access and utilization of reproductive and child healthcare services in Sub-Saharan Africa, from the perspectives of both community people and health workers. According to the findings, the most significant hurdles to access and usage of reproductive and child healthcare services are transportation barriers to health facilities, economic considerations, and cultural views, as well as a lack of family support and poor care quality. More study is needed to aid policymakers in taking multi-sectoral action to provide equitable access to reproductive and child healthcare services in line with SDG3 by 2030.

In Their Own Words: Narratives of Sudanese Pediatricians Displaced By Conflict

Background: This study examines the profound personal and professional impact of the armed conflict in Sudan since April 2023 on pediatricians, particularly focusing on their displacement from Khartoum and the resultant challenges in providing essential health services to children in conflict-affected areas. Methods: Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this study targeted displaced pediatricians from Khartoum identified via purposive sampling. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire, featuring both quantitative items and an open-ended question for qualitative insights, administered electronically. The analysis combined descriptive statistics and thematic analysis with ethical oversight provided by the IRB of Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University. Results: In a study of 42 displaced pediatricians from Sudan, 66.67% were female and the majority were aged between 30 and 45 years. Despite facing adversities due to armed conflict, these pediatricians displayed remarkable resilience and continued to provide pediatric care under challenging conditions. Key themes emerged from their narratives, including professional commitment amid scarcity, emotional turmoil coupled with spiritual reflection, and relentless pursuit of providing care. Safety concerns primarily drove displacement, with 95.24% citing this as a reason. While 61.90% of the respondents relocated within Sudan, 38.10% moved abroad, reflecting the profound personal and professional impact of the conflict. Conclusion: The armed conflict in Sudan has severely disrupted the pediatric healthcare system, leading to widespread displacement of pediatricians and jeopardizing child healthcare. The study highlights the resilience of healthcare professionals amidst adversity, their struggle to maintain care delivery, and the critical need for support and strategic planning to restore healthcare services in conflictaffected areas.

Policy analysis of the triple burden of malnutrition in children below 5 years of age in Oman

Background: Oman faces the triple burden of malnutrition (TBM) among children under 5 years of age, characterized by stunting, overweight, and wasting. This critical issue impacts children’s healthy development and the country’s progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goal three addressing good health and well-being. Methods: This study employs secondary data analysis to investigate the prevalence and trends of stunting, overweight, and wasting among children under 5 years of age in Oman, compared with selected Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Data sources include the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, the World Health Organization, and the World Bank Group. Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) and Howlett’s Policy Implementation Theory are used to critically analyze Oman’s strategies for improving child malnutrition. Results: The prevalence of stunting in Oman decreased from 12.3% in 2012 to 11.6% in 2022. The percentage of children who are overweight increased significantly from 2.9% in 2012 to 6.5% in 2022, surpassing trends in OECD countries. The incidence of wasting was 9.3% in 2017. Conclusion: The three critical aspects to address TBM in Oman are (1) policy gaps (the need for regular follow-up of children under the age of 5 years), (2) implementation barriers (need for regular program review and stakeholder engagement), and (3) the need for tailored interventions. These challenges can be rectified by (1) implementing an expansion of nutrition programs through early education in childcare facilities, (2) increasing parental awareness, and (3) increasing collaboration with healthcare providers (through childcare health programs) for continuous monitoring and support.