Nutritional Status Of Children Research Articles

Adverse food reactions and alterations in nutritional status in children with autism spectrum disorders: results of the NAFRA project

BackgroundTo assess the adverse food reactions (AFR) prevalence in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and in non-ASD healthy controls (NASD). Nutritional status alterations, food selectivity and adherence to Mediterranean Diet (MD) were also evaluated.MethodsThe NAFRA (Nutritional status and Adverse Food Reactions in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder) project was an observational, case-control, comparative study conducted at a tertriary center for pediatrics involving Caucasian patients of both sexes, aged 18 months-7 years, with a diagnosis of ASD, and matched NASD controls.ResultsFrom October 2017 to December 2023, 100 ASD patients [79 male, mean (± SD) age 49.9 months (± 15.4)] and 100 NASD controls [75 male, mean (± SD) age 49.8 months (± 17.7)] were enrolled at the Pediatric Section of the Department of Translational Medical Science of the University of Naples Federico II. A significantly higher prevalence of AFR was observed in ASD patients if compared with NASD (16% vs. 2%, p = 0.001), mainly due to a higher prevalence of food allergy (7% vs. 1%, p = 0.03). A significantly higher prevalence of food intolerance and celiac disease was also observed in ASD children. The rate of obesity was significantly higher in ASD patients compared to NASD. Food selectivity and low MD-adherence were more frequent in ASD children (26% vs. 2%, p < 0.0001 and 28% vs. 16%, p = 0.041, respectively).ConclusionsThe high rate of AFR, obesity and unhealthy dietary habits observed in ASD children strongly suggest the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, providing early diagnosis of AFR and appropriate nutritional management to improve core and associated ASD-related conditions.Trial registrationThe NAFRA Project was registered on https://clinicaltrials.gov/ with the identifier NCT04719923. Registered 18 January 2021. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04719923.

Iodine Nutrition Status of Children Aged 3–13 Years in Areas with High Groundwater Iodine Content in China

BackgroundAdequate iodine status is crucial for children's health and normal development. However, there is a paucity of research on the iodine status of children from areas with high groundwater iodine content. ObjectivesThe objectives of this were to monitor the iodine status of children in Shandong, China (regions primarily characterized by high iodine concentrations in groundwater) and describe the factors influencing children's iodine status. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from 2013 to 2023 on 3253 3- to 13-y-old children. We collected drinking water, spot urine, and 24-h urine samples from children to assess their iodine status [measuring drinking water iodine concentration (WIC), water iodine intake (WII), urine iodine concentration (UIC), 24-h urine iodine excretion (24-h UIE), daily iodine intake (DII), etc.], and analyzed influencing factors. ResultsThe median WIC for children was 183 (IQR: 70.2, 362) μg/L, and the median spot UIC was 428 (IQR: 194, 737) μg/L, surpassing the WHO cutoff (300 μg/L). Children at risk of iodine excess numbered 1750 (61.8%). Approximately 61% of iodine intake came from drinking water. Boys had significantly higher iodine intake than girls (P < 0.001). Children's age showed positive correlations with spot UIC, 24-h UIC, and 24-h UIE. There were no significant differences in 24-h UIC and 24-h UIE among children with different BMIs. The logistic regression model revealed that the risk of iodine excess was increased by boy gender, increment in age (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.08), and every 10 μg (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.04) or 50 μg (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.22) increment in WII. ConclusionsChildren in areas with high groundwater iodine content are at a risk of iodine excess. As age increases, the risk of iodine excess in children rises, with boys at a higher risk than girls.

Analysis Of The Quality Of Family Planning (Kb) Health Services On Children's Nutritional Status At Sigambal Public Health Center, Rantau Selatan District, Labuhanbatu Regency

Background: Family planning services play an important role in supporting reproductive health and family well-being, especially in ensuring adequate nutrition for children. Objectives: to investigate the relationship between the quality of family planning (FP) health services and children's nutritional status at the Sigambal Health Center, Rantau Selatan District, Labuhanbatu Regency. Research method: structured interviews with mothers who participated in the family planning program and anthropometric measurements of their children.Results: there was a significant relationship between the quality of family planning services and children's nutritional status. High-quality family planning services have a positive impact on children's nutritional outcomes, as evidenced by improvements in weight and height indicators according to WHO standards. Factors determining service quality include the availability of contraception, the expertise of health workers, and community involvement in family planning initiatives.Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of improving family planning services by ensuring adequate resources, ongoing training for health personnel, and encouraging community participation. These efforts are critical to improving children's nutritional status in the region

Associations of Maternal Nutritional Status and Supplementation with Fetal, Newborn, and Infant Outcomes in Low-Income and Middle-Income Settings: An Overview of Reviews.

Despite advances in maternal nutritional knowledge, the effect of maternal diet, micronutrient status and undernutrition, and the effect of maternal supplementation on fetal, neonatal and infant outcomes still have gaps in the literature. This overview of reviews is intended to assess the available information on these issues and identify the main maternal nutritional factors associated with offspring outcomes in low- and middle-income countries as possible targets for public health interventions. The literature search was performed in Medline (PubMed) and Cochrane Library datasets in June 2024. Pre-specified outcomes in offspring were pooled using standard meta-analytical methods. We found consistent evidence on the impact of maternal undernutrition indicated by low body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and stature, but not of individual micronutrient status, on intrauterine-growth retardation, preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age, with research showing a possible effect of maternal undernutrition in later child nutritional status. Studies on micronutrient supplementation showed possible beneficial effects of iron, vitamin D, and multiple micronutrients on birthweight and/or decreasing small for gestational age, as well as a possible effect of calcium on preterm birth reduction. Interventions showing more consistent beneficial outcomes were balanced protein-energy and lipid base supplements, which demonstrated improved weight in newborns from supplemented mothers and a decreased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. Further research is needed to identify the benefits and risks of maternal individual micronutrient supplementation on neonatal and further child outcomes.

Identification Of Nutritional Status In Children Under Five Based On The Weight/Height Index With Screening Of Delivery Outcome History

Latar Belakang: Prevalensi malnutrisi pada anak balita secara global dan nasional masih tinggi. Secara nasional prevalensi stunting mencapai 30,79%, wasting 10,2%, underweight 17,7%, overweight 8,0% dan menurun ditahun 2022 menjadi 21,6% (stunting), 7,7% (wasting), 17,1% (underweight) dan 3,5% (overweight). Kasusnya ditemukan lebih banyak di kabupaten Pesawaran, Provinsi Lampung yaitu 25,1% (stunting), 9,4% (wasting), 20,6% (underweight). Angka ini masih jauh dari target Rencana Pembangunan Jangka Menengah Nasional (RPJMN) bidang kesehatan 2020-2024 dengan target 14% (stunting) dan 7% (wasting). Kabupaten Pesawaran menduduki posisi pertama dengan kasus wasting terbanyak.Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat hubungan riwayat luaran persalinan yaitu usia kehamilan dan berat badan lahir dengan status gizi anak balita berdasarkan indeks Berat Badan/Tinggi Badan (BB/TB).Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian observasional analitik dengan pendekatan cross-sectional. Variable independen yang diteliti pada penelitian ini adalah riwayat luaran persalinan berupa usia kehamilan ibu dan berat badan lahir bayi dan variabel dependen pada penelitian ini adalah status gizi balita. Analisis pada penelitian ini menggunakan analisis bivariate dengan uji chi square.Hasil Penelitian: Analisis bivariate menunjukan riwayat usia kehamilan dan riwayat Berat Badan Lahir terbukti secara statistik berhubungan dengan status gizi balita berdasarkan indeks BB/TB dengan nilai p masing-masing sebesar 0,001 dan 0,000.Kesimpulan: terdapat hubungan riwayat usia kehamilan dan riwayat Berat Badan Lahir bayi dengan status gizi balita berdasarkan indeks BB/TB.Saran: Hasil ini dapat digunakan sebagai parameter preventif dalam upaya pencegahan malnutrisi pada balita. Keywords: Berat Badan Lahir, Gizi Kurang, Malnutrisi, Outcome Persalinan, Usia Kehamilan ABSTRACT Background: The prevalence of malnutrition among children under five remains high globally and nationally. Nationally, rates of stunting, wasting, underweight, and overweight are significant, with stunting at 30.79%, wasting at 10.2%, underweight at 17.7%, and overweight at 8.0%. Projections for 2022 indicate a decrease to 21.6% for stunting, 7.7% for wasting, 17.1% for underweight, and 3.5% for overweight.In Pesawaran district, Lampung Province, rates are notably higher, with 25.1% for stunting, 9.4% for wasting, and 20.6% for underweight children. These figures underscore a significant gap from the 2020-2024 National Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMN) health targets of 14% for stunting and 7% for wasting. Pesawaran Regency specifically reports the highest incidence of wasting cases among these areas.Aims: This study aims to examine the relationship between birth outcomes, specifically gestational age and birth weight, and the nutritional status of children under five based on the Body Weight/Height (BW/TB) index.Method: This research employs an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional approach. The independent variables investigated are maternal gestational age and infant birth weight, while the dependent variable is the nutritional status of toddlers. Bivariate analysis using the chi-square test was conducted for data analysis.Results: The bivariate analysis demonstrated statistically significant relationships between both gestational age (p = 0.001) and birth weight (p = 0.000) with the nutritional status of toddlers based on the BB/TB index.Conclusion: There exists a significant association between gestational age and birth weight with the nutritional status of toddlers based on the BW/TB index.Suggestion: These findings suggest that these factors can serve as crucial indicators for preventive measures against malnutrition in toddlers. Keywords: Birth Weight, Wasting, Malnutrition, Birth Outcome, Gestational Age

The Relationship Between Nutritional Status And The Development Of Children Aged 4-60 Months

Child development is an important aspect of human life, especially in the early period of life, which is often referred to as the critical or golden period as the child's brain undergoes rapid growth. Developmental disorders in children under five, especially in terms of motor skills, have a long-term impact on their development, and a child's nutritional status has been shown to play a role in the process. Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship between nutritional status and development of children aged 4-60 months in Jember Regency. The research method used was a quantitative correlational approach with a cross-sectional approach, involving a total of 57 children who had a Kartu Menuju Sehat (KMS) as the population. From the results of the formula calculation, the sample size was determined as 50 respondents using a non-randomized (non-probability) method, namely purposive sampling based on certain criteria. The research instruments involved the Kartu Menuju Sehat (KMS) to assess children's nutritional status and the Developmental Pre-Screening Questionnaire (KPSP) to identify children's development. The results of the chi-square statistical test revealed a significant relationship between nutritional status and development of children aged 4-60 months in Jember District. [ Children with good nutritional status show more optimal developmental progress, while children with poor nutritional status tend to experience slower or inappropriate development for their age. This finding supports theories that emphasize the importance of adequate nutrition for children's growth and development. Therefore, efforts to improve children's nutritional status should be a top priority in various child health and education programs. With the right understanding and action, we can help create a healthier and more potential future generation.

Relationship Between Gross Motor Function and Nutritional Status of Children with Cerebral Palsy-A cross-sectional study in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh

Background: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is one of the most common causes of chronic disability in children. Childhood malnutrition is a major public health issue in low- and middle-income countries. The gross motor function of children with CP can easily be assessed by the tool Gross Motor Function Classification System- Expanded &amp;Revised (GMFCS-E&amp;R). This study aimed to determine the relationship between GMFCS and nutritional status in children with cerebral palsy. Method: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric Neurology, IPNA, BSMMU from October 2019 to August 2020. All the patients aged 2-12 years were diagnosed as CP by clinical criteria and classified by GMFCS. Nutritional status (weight for age, height for age, weight for height, BMI) is assessed and classified according to the World Health Organization growth charts. Then linear and multinomial logistic regression methods to determine the associations between GMFCS and nutritional status. The correlation between motor function and nutritional status was assessed. Results: Among the 50 children 68% were male and 32% were female. The mean age of the CP children was 4.90±3.05 years. Most patients (66.0%) came from poor families followed by 24% from the middle class. Functionally majority of patients were in GMFCS level IV (28.0% ) and level V (20.0%). Maximum patients in spastic quadriplegia 42%, spastic hemiplegia 16%. The level of GMFCS was associated with nutritional status, as determined by anthropometry. Moderate and severe underweight significantly related with GMFC level IV and V. Moderate and severe stunted was significantly related with IV and V GMFC level. Moderate wasted was significantly related to GMFC levels III and IV. Mild malnutrition was significantly with GMFC level II and III. Severe malnutrition is significantly related to GMFC level IV and V. Conclusion: This study showed majority of cerebral palsy cases had severe functional gross motor disability and also severe grade of malnutrition. A significant association between severe grade of malnutrition and severe grade of motor disability was found. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2024; 42: 342-349

Oral Health and Nutritional Status of Children Dwelling in Urban and Suburban Areas

Background: Literature has suggested that there is evidence regarding the impact of nutritional status on the overall oral health of children and adolescents. The study objectives were to investigate oral health and nutritional status in children in terms of dietary intake, and to determine the anthropometric measures and correlate the oral health &amp; nutritional status in urban and sub-urban children. Method: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to March 2023. Total of 267 children from Urban and sub-urban regions age 12-18 years were included using the convenience sampling technique. Urban data was collected from Dow University’s dental OPD and private schools in Karachi, while suburban data was gathered from Long Khoso village near Hyderabad. Non-clinical data as well as clinical data which included oral examinations like dental caries status, oral hygiene status, periodontal condition, fluorosis malocclusion, and anthropometric measurements were gathered. SPSS v.21 was used to analyze data. Chi-square and correlation were applied between oral health status and anthropometric measurements. P-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Area of residence was found to be significantly associated with habits, milk intake, oral hygiene practices, dental caries, and oral hygiene index (p-value &lt; 0.001). A significant relationship was found between the area of residence and height (p-value 0.001). It was seen that anthropometric scores were low in suburban children. Conclusion: This study highlights a positive oral health status among all, with a high prevalence of healthy periodontal tissue and low caries severity reported in Urban as compared to suburban children.

Factors associated with caregivers’ food safety knowledge, behavior, perception of food safety control, and the nutrition status of under-5 children in Nigeria

BackgroundHousehold-level food safety practices may have a long-term outcome on the nutrition and health status of under-five children. This study explores the relationships between caregivers’ self-reported food safety knowledge, behavior, perception of food safety control, and their young child’s (< 5 years) nutrition status.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study design, 664 caregivers from five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ibadan, Nigeria were surveyed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire on their food safety knowledge, behavior and perceived food safety control. Anthropometric measurements of the household’s index child (aged 6–59 months) were also taken. Variables for food safety knowledge and behavior score were selected using principal component analyses. The nutritional status of the children (Z-scores for weight-for-height (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and weight-for-age (WHZ)) were calculated. Description statistics were run on all variables and logistic regression models examined associations between the three food safety constructs and the children’s nutritional status. Covariates such as LGAs, caregiver’s age, household size, wealth index, child’s gender, and age were adjusted.ResultsHigh-level of food safety knowledge, behavior and lots of perceived control on food safety issues were reported by 77.7%, 76.7%, and 81.1% of the caregivers. Using WAZ, HAZ and WHZ that are ≤ -2, acute malnutrition (6.0%), chronic malnutrition (42.5%), and underweight (22.0%), respectively were prevalent among the children. Perceived food safety control was the only food safety construct associated with acute malnutrition. Wealth index, caregivers’ age, number of under 5 at home, child age, and gender were associated with acute malnutrition. Caregiver’s age, child’s age, and gender were associated with chronic malnutrition. Furthermore, caregiver’s age, education and child’s age were associated with a child being underweight. The significance level was at P < 0.05.ConclusionFactors associated with food safety and children’s nutritional outcomes are multi-faceted in nature. Future studies should explore access to resources and other intermediate factors that may explain the linkage between childhood malnutrition and caregivers’ food safety awareness, knowledge, and behavior. Public health and food safety initiatives to bridge the gap between perceived food safety control and actual food safety behavior/practices.

Problematic behaviors at mealtimes and the nutritional status of Brazilian children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The aim of this study was to explore problematic behaviors and their association with the food consumption and nutritional status of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is a cross-sectional study which enrolled 90 Brazilian children (aged 2-10 years) with ASD. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the ASD Eating Behavior Assessment Scale, and the 24-h recall were used. Age, height, total body weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were accessed to estimate nutritional status (BMI/Age). Consumption of fruits, vegetables, total calories, macro and micronutrients (calcium, iron, zinc, omega 3 and omega 6), and Body Mass Index (BMI) were assessed. The regression models were adjusted for covariates (prevalence ratio - PR, α = 0.05). All studied children presented problematic behaviors at mealtimes, with a predominance of food selectivity (57.8%), followed by changes in mealtime skills (34.4%), changes in masticatory motor skills (25.6%), oppositional eating behaviors (20.4%), and rigid eating behaviors (20.0%). Food selectivity was associated with excess body weight (PR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.08-3.51) and absence of vegetable consumption (PR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.46-0.81). Rigid eating behaviors was associated with low consumption of fiber (PR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.15-1.75) and zinc (PR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.33-3.45), and with excessive caloric (PR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02-1.29) and lower calcium intake (PR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29-0.91). Selectivity and rigidity behaviors have different relationships with food consumption and are associated with a higher prevalence of inadequacies, which may lead to nutritional risks for children. Further studies may investigate the influence of problematic behaviors and excess body weight in ASD.

Changes in the nutritional status of children with cancer depending on clinical, demographic and social factors

Changes in the nutritional status of children with cancer depending on clinical, demographic and social factors

Literature Study: The Role of Health Cadres in Stunting Prevention to Support the Realisation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's)

Introduction: Stunting is one of the chronic nutritional problems of global concern, including in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) agenda. In Indonesia, stunting is still a major health problem and contributor to child morbidity and mortality. To overcome this problem, prevention efforts are needed that involve various parties, including health cadres at the community level. This study aims to analyze the role of health cadres in stunting prevention to support the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's). Methods: This study used a literature study by collecting and reviewing previous research, especially looking for information about the involvement of the role of health cadres in stunting prevention. Results: Health cadres have a role and function as the main driver at the community level to provide education, monitor children's nutritional status, and conduct nutrition intervention activities. Through increased capacity and knowledge, health cadres can help reduce the prevalence of stunting and support the achievement of the SDGs, namely ending hunger and ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all. Conclusion: Support and commitment from all parties are needed to strengthen the role of health cadres in supporting the realization of the SDGs. With the right support and good collaboration, this program can have a significant impact in improving the health and welfare of the community.

Exploring risk factors for undernutrition in children aged under five years in Yemen.

Undernutrition is a global health concern, particularly in low-income countries, and can manifest as wasting, stunting and/or underweight. In Yemen, the recent armed conflict is likely to have significantly increased the incidence of undernutrition in young children, particularly those living in communities that were already experiencing socioeconomic and health disparities. To explore the risk factors associated with wasting, stunting and underweight in children aged between six months and five years living in one district of Yemen. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a two-part questionnaire to collect anthropometric measurements and sociodemographic characteristics of children enrolled on an outpatient programme for undernourished children at three healthcare facilities in the Jiblah district, and of their families and households. Of the 120 children included in the study, 58 (48%) had wasting, 27 (23%) had stunting and 35 (29%) were underweight. Risk factors for undernutrition included being under the age of three years, being a girl, having had a low birthweight, having siblings under the age of five years, having a mother who is a housewife, living in a household relying on unimproved sources of drinking water, living in a rural area, and living in a low-income household. The nutritional status of children in Yemen is under continuing threat. The identification of risk factors for undernutrition may increase awareness of the issue and influence the policy decisions of the international community.

District Level Child and Women Nutritional Status in Andhra Pradesh State of India-Food Based Intervention Options for Improvement and Associated Issues

District Level Child and Women Nutritional Status in Andhra Pradesh State of India-Food Based Intervention Options for Improvement and Associated Issues

Impact of different CFTR modulators on nutritional status in children with cystic fibrosis

Impact of different CFTR modulators on nutritional status in children with cystic fibrosis

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.

Integration of Immunization and Health Care Services on the Nutritional Status of Children 6-59 Months of Age in Flood-Affected Areas of South Punjab

Child malnutrition remains a serious public health problem in many parts of the developing world, particularly in South and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The situation is exacerbated by natural disasters, particularly floods, which increase the risk of infectious diseases and worsen the nutrition crisis in vulnerable areas. In Pakistan, the 2018 National Nutrition Survey showed high levels of stunting, underweight and wasting among children under the age of five. This study aimed to determine whether integration of immunization and health services can improve the nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months in flood-affected areas of South Punjab, Pakistan. This study used a mixed methods approach, combining a cross-sectional observational study with structured interviews. A sample of 384 children aged 6-59 months was selected through convenience sampling in flood-affected areas. Data were collected through surveys and interviews with families, focusing on maternal feeding practices and factors affecting child nutritional status. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 25, including frequency distributions for categorical variables and Pearson correlations to determine the association between upper arm circumference (MUAC) and nutritional status, weight, and height. Results showed significant correlations between MUAC and child nutritional status (p=0.035), MUAC and child weight (p=&lt;0.001), and MUAC and child height (p=&lt;0.001). Of the total 384 participants, 60.68% had MUAC more than 12.5 cm, while 39.32% had MUAC less than 12.5 cm. This study confirms the importance of integrating health and immunization services in addressing child malnutrition in disaster-prone areas. Findings show that factors such as parents' socioeconomic status, occupation, education and living environment are significantly related to children's nutritional status.

Penggunaan Decision Tree dalam Penentuan Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Status Gizi Buruk Balita di Kelurahan Tamamaung

This study aims to evaluate the use of Decision Tree algorithms in determining the nutritional status of children based on Posyandu activity reports. Malnutrition poses serious risks for developing children, including weakened immune systems, long-term developmental delays, and high mortality rates. By applying the Decision Tree algorithm to classify the nutritional status of toddlers, this research seeks to identify nutritional status, which can then be addressed by health centers (Puskesmas). Using attributes such as weight (W), age (A), and height (H), aligned with child anthropometric indices, the Decision Tree method will be utilized to determine the factors influencing nutritional status in toddlers. The application of this method will facilitate the identification of at-risk toddlers, enabling timely prevention and intervention. Testing through k-fold cross-validation yielded an accuracy of 79.43%, a recall of 53.1%, and a precision of 76.6%. The results indicate that, out of 350 data points, the most significant factor affecting children's nutritional status is weight.

Integrative Empowerment Of Health Cadres In Efforts To Monitor Stunting Risk Through The Use Of Smartphone-Based Electronic Child Card Applications In Ngiliran Village, Panekan District, Magetan Regency

ABSTRACT The Community Engagement activity, conducted from May to August 2024, aimed to empower various stakeholders, such as early childhood integrated health service cadres, prospective brides and grooms, pregnant women, and mothers of young children, in their endeavors to monitor early stunting effectively. It addressed the pressing issue of stunting prevalence in Ngiliran Village, which had reached an alarming 18.6%, surpassing the national target set for 2024, which is 14%. Partners, including integrated health service cadres, prospective brides and grooms, pregnant women, and mothers, faced challenges like limited knowledge in measuring children's nutritional status, inconsistent monitoring, and inadequate stunting prevention education. To address these issues, the activity utilized the Electronic Child Card (KARANEL) smartphone application. KARANEL accurately measured children's height and weight, stored data electronically, presented nutritional status visually, and offered guidance. It empowered partners to identify, prevent, and manage stunting effectively. The results demonstrated that KARANEL enhanced the knowledge, skills, and motivation of integrated health service cadres and partners. Conclusion: the smartphone-based KARANEL application proved highly beneficial for early stunting monitoring in Ngiliran Village, providing a practical solution to combat stunting

Assessment of Malaria, Anemia and Nutrition status of school-going children in the rural area of Charsadda, Pakistan

Malaria, anemia, and malnutrition are global health challenges with significant morbidity and mortality, and higher rates among children particularly in Africa. This study evaluated the prevalence and risk factors of malaria infection, anemia, and malnutrition among school-going children of Charsadda (a city of Khyber, Pakistan). A total of 400 children of aged 5-10 years were included in the study in 2023. Malaria infection was confirmed by rapid diagnostic tests. Hematocrit level was obtained using a centrifuge microhematocrit and converted to hemoglobin using standard conversion. Nutritional status was determined by the anthropometric measurements, and demographic characteristics were obtained by questionnaire. Anemia and malnutrition were defined according to the World Health Organization standards. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine association between the predictor variables and primary outcomes. In current research work 400 children were selected for the assessment of malaria and nutritional status, malaria infection was found more frequent among the students 120(12%). In addition, high prevalence of anemia 105(10.5%), malnutrition 90(9%), and stunting 70(7%) was observed, while wasting 2(0.2%) and underweight 20(2%0 had very low frequency. Malaria infection, anemia, and malnutrition were observed in12%, 10.5% and 9% of the children population, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing the current health problems among the school-going children of district Charsadda the prevalence of malaria, anemia and malnutrition and their co-existence in children 5-10 years.