Child Nutrition Research Articles

Meals are more than nutrition for children with a malignant or non-malignant disorder with a gastrostomy tube: A qualitative study

PurposeTo elucidate mealtime experiences of children hospitalized with a malignant or severe non-malignant disorder —and their parents—after a gastrostomy tube insertion. MethodsA qualitative design involving a child-centred care approach was used. Parents of children aged 1–18 years old who had received a gastrostomy tube during treatment for a malignant or non-malignant disorder were included, as were the children themselves when aged 5–18 years old. Semi-structured interviews with 21 families were carried out and a thematic analysis performed. ResultsThe findings were presented in four themes: changed meal conditions, a troublesome sensory dimension, aggravating obstacles and solving the unmanageable. Hospitalization involves challenges regarding environmental aspects, hospital food and side effects, contributing to impaired nutritional intake and aggravated mealtime situations. ConclusionsHospital environment and hospital food have a profound impact on children's nutritional intake and mealtime situations. In addition, sensory aspects and side effects aggravate the child's motivation to eat, resulting in demanding meals. The families described a gastrostomy tube as a valuable strategy for improving mealtime situations.

"When we have served meat, my husband comes first": A qualitative analysis of child nutrition among urban and rural communities of Rwanda.

Stunting among children under five years of age is a global public health concern, especially in low-and middle-income settings. Emerging evidence suggests a gradual reduction in the overall prevalence of stunting in Rwanda, necessitating a qualitative understanding of the contributing drivers to help develop targeted and effective strategies. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of women and men to identify key issues that influence childhood nutrition and stunting as well as possible solutions to address the problem. Ten (10) focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with fathers and mothers of children under five years of age from five districts, supplemented by forty (40) in-depth interviews (IDIs) with Nurses and Community Health Workers (CHWs). Transcripts were coded inductively and analysed thematically using Dedoose (version 9.0.86). Three themes emerged: (1) Awareness of a healthy diet for pregnant women, infants, and children with subthemes Knowledge about maternal and child nutrition and feeding practices; (2) Personal and food hygiene is crucial while handling, preparing, and eating food with subthemes, food preparation practices and the feeding environment (3) factors influencing healthy eating among pregnant women, infants, and children with subthemes; Barriers and facilitators to healthy eating among pregnant women and children. Several factors influence child stunting, and strategies to address them should recognise the cultural and social contexts of the problem. Prioritisation of nutrition-based strategies is vital and should be done using a multifaceted approach, incorporating economic opportunities and health education, especially among women, and allowing CHWs to counsel households with conflicts.

Statistical analysis plan for cluster randomised trial to evaluate a community-level complementary food safety and hygiene and nutrition intervention in Mali: the MaaCiwara study

BackgroundDiarrheal disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in under-fives in many low- and middle-income countries. Changes in food safety, hygiene practices, and nutrition around the weaning period may reduce the risk of disease and improve infant development. The MaaCiwara study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based educational intervention designed to improve food safety and hygiene behaviours, as well as child nutrition. This update article describes the statistical analysis plan for the MaaCiwara study in detail.Methods and designThe MaaCiwara study is a parallel group, two-arm, superiority cluster randomised controlled trial with baseline measures, involving 120 clusters of rural and urban communities. These clusters are randomised to either receive the community-based behaviour change intervention or to the control group. The study participants will be mother–child pairs, with children aged between 6 and 36 months. Data collection involves a day of observation and interviews with each participating mother–child pair, conducted at baseline, 4 months, and 15 months post-intervention.The primary analysis aims to estimate the effectiveness of the intervention on changes to complementary food safety and preparation behaviours, food and water contamination, and diarrhoea. The primary outcomes will be analysed generalised linear mixed models, at individual level, accounting for clusters and rural/urban status to estimate the difference in outcomes between the intervention and control groups. Secondary outcomes include maternal autonomy, enteric infection, nutrition, child anthropometry, and development scores. In addition, structural equation analysis will be conducted to examine the causal relationships between the different outcomes.Trial registrationInternational Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) register: ISRCTN14390796. Registered on 13 December 2021.

Effect of Customized Nutritious Breakfast and Nutrition Education on Nutritional Status of Preschool Children in Economically Underdeveloped Multi-Ethnic Areas: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial in Linxia, China.

The nutritional status of preschool children in economically underdeveloped multi-ethnic areas is a global concern. This study aimed to examine the effect of a 2.2-year cluster randomized clinical trial that provided customized nutritious breakfast and nutrition education to preschool children in Linxia County, China. A total of 578 children aged 3 to 6 years were enrolled. After the intervention, the incidence of undernourishment was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (8.73% vs. 9.92%, OR = 0.01 [95%CI 0.00, 0.39], p = 0.014). Additionally, children with non-Muslim dietary habits had a lower incidence of undernourishment compared to those with Muslim dietary habits (OR = 0.05 [95%CI 0.00, 0.88]; p = 0.010). The intervention group also had a lower prevalence rate of wasting (OR = 0.02 [95%CI 0.00, 0.40]; p = 0.011) and a higher mean BMI-for-age Z-score (β = 1.05 [95%CI 0.32, 1.77]; p = 0.005) compared to the control group. These findings suggest that providing nutritious breakfast and nutrition education is an effective strategy to improve the nutrition and health of preschool children, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions and among children with Muslim dietary habits.

Exploring the nutritional value of Chachafruto (Erythrina edulis Triana ex Michel) as a significant contribution to child nutrition

Introducción: Erythrina edulis Triana ex Micheli, conocido popularmente como chachafruto o balu, emerge como un arbusto autóctono de América cuyos frutos y hojas se distinguen por su abundancia en proteínas y propiedades nutritivas, posicionándolo como una perspectiva prometedora para la alimentación humana. Objetivo: Analizar las propiedades fisicoquímicas del chachafruto y la mermelada derivada de él, explorando su potencial como suplemento dietético infantil. Materiales y métodos: La investigación se llevó a cabo en el Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Poscosecha (LIP) y en las Plantas Piloto de Alimentos de la Universidad del Quindío. Durante este proceso, se realizaron análisis bromatológicos y se elaboró el producto siguiendo las pautas de salud y normativas colombianas, en particular, la Resolución 15789 de 1984 del Ministerio Nacional de Salud y la Norma Técnica Colombiana NTC 285, que rige la elaboración y comercialización de mermeladas. Resultados: Los datos obtenidos revelaron una disminución en el contenido proteico, pasando del 1.56% al 1.52%. A pesar de esta variabilidad, el producto resultante mantuvo propiedades nutricionales notables, con un contenido de grasa de 5.11% y 0.05%, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Estos resultados indican que, aunque el tratamiento térmico impactó la calidad proteica, el producto elaborado aún conserva características adecuadas para considerarse un complemento nutricional en la dieta infantil. En su conjunto, este estudio contribuye significativamente a una comprensión más completa de cómo los procesos de elaboración influyen en la calidad nutricional de este recurso alimentario crucial.

Impact of integrated child development scheme on nutritional and health status of children

The Indian government’s centerpiece initiative, the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) project, aims to improve the overall growth, wellness, and nutrition of children under six years old and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers’ nutritional and physical well-being. KanyaKumari (KK) district, located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, has also benefited from this program. Using a questionnaire survey method, valid data were collected from 120 participants, and interviews were subsequently conducted with 52 individuals to gain deeper insights into the research topic. SPSS statistical software was utilized. The program under assessment, the ICDS, targets children under six and pregnant and lactating mothers, offering services like nutrition, healthcare, and early childhood education to improve their health and Nutritional Status (NS). The indicators being assessed include nutritional and Health Status (HS) (e.g., malnutrition, immunization rates) to decrease malnutrition and improve overall health outcomes. The findings of this study indicate that the prevalence of child malnutrition has decreased, suggesting that the ICDS has been effective in improving the NHC. The novelty of this research lies in its specific focus on the KK district, its evaluation of a government program’s impact, and its emphasis on child welfare and development. The study’s insights on integrated child development programs can inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and community groups globally, aiding efforts to improve child health and nutrition implications. The ICDS has had a positive impact on the NHC in the KK district. However, continuous efforts are required to overcome challenges and ensure the sustained success of the program in the district.

The Impact of Vaccination Status on Anthropometric Indices of Growth Among Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Childhood immunization programs in underdeveloped nations can improve children's growth and nutritional status and prevent growth delays while protecting against infectious diseases and meeting growth norms. This study aimed toassess the impact of vaccination status on the anthropometric indices of children aged 12-18 months at an Expanded Programme on Immunization vaccination center and compare the anthropometric indices of growth in children with complete and incomplete vaccination statuses. Methodology This study was conducted at the rural health center in Kala Shah Kaku, Pakistan, from November 2023 to December 2023. Children aged 12-18 months were enrolled and their vaccination status was recorded. Height and weight were measured using World Health Organization growth charts. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean age of the 110 children who visited the vaccination site for this study was 16.36 months ± 2.415. There were 28 (25.5%) stunted children. In the study, 17.6 (16%) participants were underweight, and 15.95 (14.5%) were wasted. Of the children, 79% had received all recommended vaccinations. A statistically significant(p < 0.05) association was foundbetween vaccination and nutritional status. Conclusions This study emphasizes the significance of vaccination in promoting child health and nutrition, reducing stunting risk, and ensuring equitable access to vaccination services and comprehensive healthcare interventions. This can help mitigate the malnutrition burden and promote optimal growth, contributing to global health and development goals.

Nutrient's Games: Evaluating the Impact of Interactive Media on Improving Nutrition Knowledge Among Students

Child nutrition is important for children's physical and cognitive development. However, many children do not have a good understanding of child nutrition. Interactive media has the potential to be an effective tool to teach children about child nutrition. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of interactive media (Game Nutrient`s Pocket) in improving students understanding of child nutrition. This study used a pre-experimental research design with a one-group pretest-posttest design. The participants of this study were a group of grade 1 to grade 5 elementary school students at SDN Kedungpedaringan II Kepanjen, Indonesia. The results showed that there was a significant difference in students understanding of child nutrition between the pretest and posttest. This means that the use of interactive media (Game Nutrient`s Pocket) can improve students understanding of child nutrition. The findings of this study have important implications for the use of interactive media in education. Interactive media can be used to develop educational games and simulations that can help students to learn about various topics, including child nutrition. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the Nutrient`s Pocket Game can improve the nutritional knowledge of students of SDN Kedungpedaringan II Kepanjen. This game can be an alternative learning media for nutrition that is effective and interesting for students.

Hubungan Inisiasi Menyusu Dini Terhadap Pemberian ASI Eksklusif

According to the World Health Organization, the gold standard for child nutrition is exclusive breastfeeding. WHO states that babies, mothers and families greatly benefit from exclusive breastfeeding. Even though breastfeeding has many benefits, only twenty percent of mothers in Indonesia exclusively breastfeed. The performance of the hormone prolactin, which produces breast milk, and the hormone oxytocin, which produces breast milk, can influence the success of exclusive breastfeeding. Early initiation of breastfeeding (IMD) is the first step for successful exclusive breastfeeding. The aim of this research is to analyze the relationship between IMD and exclusive breastfeeding in the Mojo Community Health Center Area. This research is observational analytic using a cross sectional research design. The research sample was mothers with babies aged 6 - 12 months who were selected using the purposive sampling method. Data collection through interviews using questionnaires. Data analysis using the Chi Square test and Fisher's Exact Test with α = 0.05. The results of statistical tests show that there is no relationship between IMD and exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.094), which means that respondents with IMD and without IMD predominantly give exclusive breastfeeding.

Clinically Relevant Topics and New Tendencies in Childhood Nutrition during the First 2 Years of Life: A Survey among Primary Care Spanish Paediatricians.

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among 245 experienced Spanish paediatricians, who completed an online survey based on clinically relevant topics in nutrition during the first two years of life and their recommendations to parents in daily clinical practice. Most participants advise about the choking risk associated with baby-led weaning (BLW) and more than 60% consider that infants can receive an insufficient variety and quantity of nutrients with this practice. The general opinion is that there is a lack of evidence for delaying the introduction of gluten and other allergenic foods in the complementary feeding of healthy infants. Most participants agree/strongly agree that two servings of dairy products are the adequate daily amount in a diversified diet and 93.4% disagree/strongly disagree with the use of vegetal beverages under 1 year of life. There is a general agreement to avoid added salt and sugar before 12 months of life, the consideration that organic foods do not have a better nutritional profile than non-organic ones, and the limitations of vegetarian diets especially for adequate provision of micronutrients. Overall, there is an adequate knowledge of the new trends by paediatricians and younger ones seemed more in favor of them and interested in receiving more information on most topics.

The association between crop diversity and children’s dietary diversity: multi-scalar and cross-national comparisons

Food insecurity is rising across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where undernourishment continues to affect a large portion of the population, particularly young children. Studies examining the associations between crop diversity and childhood nutrition have recently proliferated but are characterized by inconsistent results and two key limitations. First, many studies focus only on the household level, overlooking the prospect that more diverse crops at village and regional levels may contribute to household food security. Second, many studies pool data from multiple countries, which may obscure important context-specific aspects of nutrition outcomes. Drawing on Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 10 SSA countries, in combination with agricultural production estimates for 112 crop species, this study explores the associations between crop diversity at multiple scales (10-, 25-, and 50-kilometer radii) and children’s dietary diversity (HDDS). In addition to producing overall estimates across our sample, we measure country-specific associations to account for spatial heterogeneity. Results of the overall model show a negative association between crop diversity and dietary diversity. However, the country-specific analyses uncover extensive variability in these associations: in some cases, diversity is highly positively correlated with HDDS, while in others the estimated effect is negative or nonexistent. Our findings suggest that country-level analyses provide important nuance that may be masked in pooled analyses. Moreover, these findings foreground the importance of looking beyond household-level analyses to understand the dynamic role that local crop diversity, and its exchange across space, can play in supporting children’s dietary diversity.

Unfavorable food consumption in children up to school entry age: results from the nationwide German KiESEL study.

Evidence points toward the early life being crucial for preventing nutrition-related diseases. As promotion of healthier food preferences in toddlerhood and preschool age might still modulate the trajectories of disease risk, understanding diet in these age groups is necessary. The objective was to analyze food consumption and diet quality of 1-5-year-old children living in Germany in relation to age and sex. Data from 890 children, a subsample of the representative, cross-sectional Children's Nutrition Survey to Record Food Consumption (KiESEL) conducted by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment in 2014-2017, were analyzed. Dietary data were collected using food records (3 consecutive plus 1 independent day). Diet quality was evaluated against the German food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG). Consumption of unfavorable foods (e.g., sweets, soft drinks) exceeded the recommended maximum of 10% of energy intake (E%) by a multiple in all age and sex groups (medians: 24.8-35.8 E%). Preschoolers consumed more unfavorable foods than toddlers and boys more than girls. More than half of the children exceeded the recommendation for meat intake (medians: 2.3-3.2% of the total food consumption (%TFC) vs. 2 %TFC), especially preschoolers. In nearly all children, vegetable consumption was too low (medians: 4.2-4.5 %TFC vs. 12 %TFC). Also, milk/milk product consumption was below recommendations, more so in preschoolers (median: 12.0 %TFC ♂, 11.9 %TFC ♀ vs. 18 %TFC) than in toddlers (median: 16.1 %TFC ♂, 19.6 %TFC ♀). In toddlers and preschoolers with overweight or obesity, adherence to dietary recommendations of these food groups was largely similar to that of the total sample. Overall, 5-year-olds showed an unhealthier dietary pattern than 1-year-olds, which already emerged at age 2 years and became more evident at age 3 years. An adverse dietary pattern arises and even deteriorates at a very young age, showing sex-specific aspects. High attention from public health and research needs to be given to toddlerhood and even earlier life phases, e.g., to develop more age-specific FBDGs, aiming at reducing unhealthy food consumption.

Assessment of Generative AI Large Language Model Knowledge in Children's Nutrition Education

Assessment of Generative AI Large Language Model Knowledge in Children's Nutrition Education

Priorities for Clinical Research in Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation From the Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation CollaborativE Consensus Conference.

To identify and prioritize research questions for anticoagulation and hemostasis management of neonates and children supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) from the Pediatric ECMO Anticoagulation CollaborativE (PEACE) consensus. Systematic review was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases from January 1988 to May 2021, followed by serial consensus conferences of international, interprofessional experts in the management of ECMO for critically ill neonates and children. The management of ECMO anticoagulation for critically ill neonates and children. Within each of the eight subgroups, two authors reviewed all citations independently, with a third independent reviewer resolving any conflicts. Following the systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from January 1988 to May 2021, and the consensus process for clinical recommendations and consensus statements, PEACE panel experts constructed research priorities using the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative methodology. Twenty research topics were prioritized, falling within five domains (definitions and outcomes, therapeutics, anticoagulant monitoring, protocolized management, and impact of the ECMO circuit and its components on hemostasis). We present the research priorities identified by the PEACE expert panel after a systematic review of existing evidence informing clinical care of neonates and children managed with ECMO. More research is required within the five identified domains to ultimately inform and improve the care of this vulnerable population.

Policy, Systems, and Environmental Strategies to Support Healthy Eating Behaviors in Early Childhood: A Scoping Review of Existing Evaluation Tools

BackgroundPolicy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change strategies aimed at supporting healthy eating behaviors work to enhance optimal nutrition by making healthy foods more available and accessible in the community. PSE change strategies can complement and strengthen knowledge, skills, and behaviors obtained through individual-level nutrition education. ObjectiveThis scoping review aimed to identify existing literature evaluating early childhood (ie, children younger than age 5 years) PSE change strategies supporting healthy eating behaviors and to describe the evaluation tools used to assess the identified PSE change strategies. MethodsThree databases (PubMed, Cumulated Index in Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science) were used to systematically search for articles published between 2013 and 2023 written in English and conducted in the United States that evaluated PSE change strategies supporting healthy eating behaviors in young children (ie, children younger than age 5 years). Two study members conducted the review, discussing and reconciling discrepancies until a consensus was reached for interobserver reliability. ResultsFindings from this review identified 48 studies evaluating early childhood PSE change strategies supporting healthy eating behaviors, with 36 studies using 25 PSE-focused evaluation tools to evaluate these strategies. Most tools (80%) assessed PSE change strategies supporting access and availability of healthy food and beverage options in early childhood education settings. Studies did not evaluate child-level outcomes (ie, attitudes, preferences, and behaviors) to showcase improvement of early childhood nutrition. Only 60% of the tools reported evidence of validity or reliability. ConclusionsMost of the studies identified in this scoping review were aimed to evaluate healthy eating PSE change strategies focused on improving access to and availability of healthy foods and beverages in early childhood education settings. Future research is needed to develop and validate PSE-focused evaluation tools assessing child-level healthy eating practices and behaviors.

Involving Influential Men’s Groups to Promote Maternal and Child Nutrition Practices Increased Diet Diversity and Egg Consumption Despite Rising Insecurity in The Sahel

Involving Influential Men’s Groups to Promote Maternal and Child Nutrition Practices Increased Diet Diversity and Egg Consumption Despite Rising Insecurity in The Sahel

Traditional Indigenous Foods in Child Nutrition Programs and USDA FoodData Central (FDC)

Traditional Indigenous Foods in Child Nutrition Programs and USDA FoodData Central (FDC)

Protecting Child Nutrition and Fishery Ecosystems in Coastal Kenya

Protecting Child Nutrition and Fishery Ecosystems in Coastal Kenya

Associations of Intrahousehold Allocation of Animal Source Food With Mother and Child Nutrition Outcomes in Low-Income Informal Settlements of Nairobi, Kenya

Associations of Intrahousehold Allocation of Animal Source Food With Mother and Child Nutrition Outcomes in Low-Income Informal Settlements of Nairobi, Kenya

Maternal and Child Nutrition Practices and Vitamin A Supplementation

Maternal and Child Nutrition Practices and Vitamin A Supplementation