Nutritional Status Of Children Research Articles

Estimation of calories intake, iron, zinc, and selenium among children of the underprivileged area in Sindh, Pakistan.

Malnutrition is one of the most serious community health issues in developing countries. This study estimated total energy intake, Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), Calcium (Ca), and Phosphate (PO4) levels among school-going children (aged 13-17 years) of the underprivileged area in Sindh, Pakistan. Children from Mithi City, District Tharparkar, were selected for this cross-sectional investigation. Students from various schools from both genders who fulfilled the selection criteria were selected. A questionnaire was filled, and five ml blood samples were taken to analyze blood parameters. Each participant's estimated nutrient intake (ENI) per day was assessed and matched to the recommended daily allowance (RDA) to determine their micro and macronutrient intake. A total of 300 school-going children [150(50%) boys (mean age 15± 0.8 years) and 150(50%) girls (mean age 14±1.3years)] were included in this study. Total calories (1449±949 Kcal vs. 1245±215 Kcal; p < .001), carbohydrates (138±27 gm vs. 126 ±25 gm; p < .001) protein (47±9.1 gm vs. 44±6 gm; p < .001) was significantly higher among boys compared to girls. In contrast, calcium (1094±105 mg vs. 1144±100; 0.004), phosphate 1050±125 vs. 1148±147; p<0.001), iron (9.2±1.7 mg vs. 10±1.3 mg; p<0.001), and Zinc (7.4±1.8 mg vs. 9.9±1.7 mg; p<0.001) intake was significantly higher among girls than boys. Gender-wise comparison of serum metals in school-going children showed that serum iron was significantly lower among girls than boys (100.86±25.65 μg/dl vs. 78.48±28.66 μg/dl; p<0.001), and no difference was found in serum Zn, Se, and Ca levels. Total proteins were also significantly lower among girls than boys (6.48±1.01g/dl vs. 4.87±1.4301g/dl; p<0.001). Serum iron, Ca, and total proteins were significantly lower among girls with normal ranges compared to boys with normal ranges. Total protein was significantly lower among girls below normal ranges than boys with normal ranges (p < .001). The correlation of carbohydrates, protein, and fat with some serum biochemical parameters in school-going children showed that serum Fe was significantly linked with proteins (r = 0.255; p < .0.05). Our findings showed a concurrent shortage of macro and micronutrients. The current study also revealed that total energy intake was lower than the RDA and significant Fe, Zn, and Se deficiencies. The findings highlight the importance of measures aimed at improving children's nutritional status.

Maternal perception on use of edible insects for complementary feeding and nutritional status of children in Kakamega and Siaya Counties, Kenya

Despite the high protein levels, essential fatty acids and minerals that are found in edible insects, they are still not being used in complementary feeding. The aim of this study was to investigate maternal perception on use of edible insects for complementary feeding and nutrition status of children in Kakamega and Siaya Counties, Kenya. The study adopted a cross-sectional analytical design which was used on a sample of 592 mother-child pairs (aged 6-23 months) in Kisa North, West Yimbo and West Ugenya wards. Majority of the mothers were in the childbearing age group of 15-49 years, were married and 57.9% in Kisa North, 65.7% in West Ugenya and 64.6% in West Yimbo had attained primary education. Generally, 50.9%, 54.2% and 48.8% of the household heads in Kisa North, West Ugenya and West Yimbo, respectively had attained primary education. About 49.5% and 38.9% of the mothers in Kisa North and West Ugenya practiced farming while 35.3% of those in West Yimbo engaged in business. About 40.3% of the household heads in West Ugenya were farmers, 48.7% in Kisa North were casual labourers while 66.3% in West Yimbo engaged in fishing. Approximately 42.1%, 33.7% and 39.3% of the mothers in Kisa North, West Ugenya and West Yimbo respectively disagreed about the use of edible insects for complementary feeding. More than half (65.3%, 56.6% and 61.7%) of the children in Kisa North, West Ugenya and West Yimbo respectively attained the Minimum Dietary Diversity. More than half (58.9% and 55.8%) of the children in West Yimbo and West Ugenya respectively and 29.7% in Kisa North attained the Minimum Acceptable Diet. In terms of nutrition status, the prevalence rates of wasting were (6.3% in West Ugenya, 7.0% in West Yimbo and 6.0% in Kisa North), stunting rates (19.5% in West Ugenya and an equal proportion of 19.9% in West Yimbo and Kisa North) and underweight rates (9.2% in West Ugenya, 9.0% in West Yimbo and 8.8% in Kisa North). There were significant relationships between the maternal perceptions of the appropriateness of insects in complementary food and the ward of residence (ꭓ²=16.86, p value=0.030), marital status of the mother (ꭓ²=11.14, p value=0.025), main source of income for the household head (ꭓ²=33.35, p value=0.007) and the education level of the household head (ꭓ²=48.67, p value=0.009). This information will be useful to the Ministry of Health through the division of nutrition for inclusion in the MIYCN policy the use of edible insects as a complementary food. Key words: Children, Complementary feeding, Edible Insects, Nutritional Status, Maternal Perception

Dietary diversity among children aged 6-59 months from settled pastoral communities in Marsabit County, Kenya

Settlement among pastoralists is expected to facilitate access to social amenities. However, information on its impact on dietary changes and undernutrition under five children is limited. This study aimed to determine dietary diversity among children aged 6-59 months in settled pastoral households. In a cross sectional survey, 394 households with index child were randomly sampled using multistage technique. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect information on population characteristics and dietary diversity. A dietary diversity score and minimum dietary diversity of the children were then calculated by summing the number of food groups from 0 to 7 eaten by the child 24 hours from the previous day. Categorical data was presented as proportions, while continuous variables mean ± standard error. Chi-square and analysis of variance were used to establish population differences. Linear regression was used to assess the relationship between population characteristics and dietary diversity. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between food groups and child nutritional status. Results showed that 51.5% of children never met minimum dietary diversity. Cereals, roots and tubers were the most frequently consumed food group at 97%. Distance to market (P&lt;0.05), household head education (p&lt;0.05), caregiver occupation (p&lt;0.05) and income were associated with dietary diversity. Eating legumes (OR= 0.50, 95% C.I (0.30, 0.85); p = 0.010) and vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables (OR= 0.50, 95% C.I (0.30, 0.85); p = 0.010) showed reduced odds of stunting while dairy products reduced the risk of a child becoming underweight [AOR=.2.09, 95% C.I (1.16 - 3.79); p = 0.015]. Overall, the findings highlight significant gaps in meeting dietary diversity recommendations among children in settled pastoral areas. Household head and caregiver attributes were identified as key influencing factors. It is recommended that county governments in northern Kenya promote optimal complementary feeding guidelines among settled pastoral caregivers to improve child nutrition. Key words: Pastoralists, children, under-five, dietary diversity, stunting, wasting, underweight, northern Kenya

Hepatic mitochondrial and peroxisomal alterations in acutely ill malnourished Malawian children: A postmortem cohort study

ObjectivesTo describe and compare liver mitochondrial and peroxisomal histopathology by nutritional status in children who died following hospitalization for acute illness in Malawi. MethodsLiver tissue was collected using Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling from eleven children under-five years old who died during hospitalization and were either non-wasted (n = 4), severely wasted (n = 4) or had edematous malnutrition (n = 3). Histology was assessed on hematoxylin and eosin stained slides. Mitochondrial and peroxisomal ultrastructural features were characterized using electron microscopy (EM) and immunofluorescence (IF). ResultsHepatic steatosis was present in 50 % of non-wasted and severely wasted children and all children with edematous malnutrition. Edematous malnutrition was associated with 56 % and 45 % fewer mitochondria than severe wasting (p < 0.001) and no wasting (p = 0.006), respectively, and abnormal mitochondrial morphology compared to severe wasting (p = 0.002) and no wasting (p = 0.035). Peroxisomal abundance was reduced in edematous malnutrition compared to severe wasting (p = 0.005), but did not differ from no-wasting. ConclusionEdematous malnutrition is associated with reduced abundance and altered morphology of hepatic mitochondria and peroxisomes. Interventions targeting improvements in hepatic metabolic function may be beneficial in improving metabolism and reducing mortality in children with severe malnutrition, particularly in those with nutritional edema.

KAJIAN TENTANG KARAKTERISTIK KELUARGA DAN POLA PEMBERIAN MPASI DAN HUBUNGANNYA DENGAN STATUS GIZI ANAK BALITA

The introduction of solid, semi-solid or soft foods is positively associated with nutritional status and reduces the likelihood of stunting. The results of the Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey in 2022 showed that the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia still reached 21.6%. West Java Province has a stunting prevalence of 20.2%, while in Bogor City it is still 19.3%. The purpose of the study was to analyze the relationship between family characteristics, complementary feeding patterns and the nutritional status of toddlers. The research design used a mix method (quantitative and qualitative). Quantitative research with a cross-sectional approach and qualitative research with indepth interviews (exploring complementary feeding patterns, problems, handling and educational needs related to complementary feeding). The qualitative exploration result were analyzed using deductive thematic. The study population was all toddlers aged 12-60 months in Bogor City, the sample size was 120 with purposive sampling. Statistical tests used chi-square test and Mann-whitney test. The results showed a significant relationship between family characteristics and patterns of complementary feeding with the children’s nutritional status under five. The results of qualitative exploration showed there were four themes, namely First, social and cultural and adverse beliefs. Second, lack of knowledge, Third, the environment (home and residence) is less supportive. Fourth, poor economy. The research concluded that there was a relationship between family characteristics and patterns of complementary feeding with the nutritional status of children under five. Efforts are needed to overcome the problem of stunting through education about complementary feeding.

Land ownership and nutrition in Nepal

AbstractThis paper provides empirical evidence on the relationship between women's land ownership and nutritional outcomes in Nepal. Using three waves of the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey and employing a bounding technique by Oster, I estimate bounded treatment effects of land ownership. The results show that women's land ownership is associated with a reduction in the incidence of childhood underweight and stunting and an increase in women's body mass index. Additionally, I find the selection on unobservable characteristics has to be larger than the selection on observable characteristics to drive these estimates to zero, suggesting that land ownership credibly improves nutritional outcomes. Furthermore, heterogeneous results show that the negative association between land ownership and childhood nutritional status is more prominent in male children and children from the Brahmin caste. Similarly, the negative relationship between land ownership and underweight in women is more pronounced in women employed in agriculture and rural areas. While I argue that landownership improves nutrition, these estimates are sensitive to the assumptions made.

Evaluation of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices among Mothers of Children Aged 0 to 59 Months in the Rural Commune of Sinder, Tillabery, Niger

Feeding practices play a major role in the nutritional status of children (WHO/UNICEF, 2009). The objective of this study was to evaluate the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers of children aged 0 to 59 months in the rural commune of Sinder. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study, which involved a representative and random sample of mothers of children aged 0 to 59 months. A questionnaire was completed through a structured interview. The data were collected with ODK software then analyzed with SPSS and Epi Info version 7.2 software. A total of 250 mother/child couples were enrolled. About 58% of newborns receive breast milk as their first food and 42% received pre-lacteal fluids. The majority of children are put to the breast early, including 55.2% immediately after birth and 34.4% within the next 24 hours, but 10.4% wait more than 24 hours. 66.4% of mothers say they have been made aware of EBF practices by health workers and 33.6% by those close to the mother. Around 37% of mothers say they do not believe in the nutritional and health benefits of EBF. Only 44% of infants receive EBF up to 6 months. The average duration of EBF is 4.4± 2.77 months. Among children receiving other foods in addition to breast milk before their sixth month, 56% receive water, 32.8% receive a herbal decoction, 45.6% take family meals, 50.4% drink the porridge. The practice of EBF in the rural commune of Sinder is suboptimal.

The Association of PELOD-2 Score and Nutritional Status of Children Treated in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital Denpasar, 2020-2022

Background: The Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction (PELOD-2) is used to measure the severity of vital organ dysfunction due to disease or other medical conditions in pediatric patients admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Nutritional status is a crucial factor affecting the body's ability to fight disease and the risk of complications. The aim was to evaluate the association between PELOD-2 scores and nutritional status in children treated in the PICU of Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital Denpasar. Methods: This study employed a retrospective cross-sectional design using medical record data of children aged 1 month to 18 years treated in the PICU of Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital Denpasar from January 2020 to December 2022. Data were collected from 428 subjects meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed using Chi-Square tests and logistic regression. Results: The study results indicated that PELOD-2 scores were significantly associated with poor nutritional status (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.107–2.73), ventilator use (OR: 5.4; 95% CI: 3.336–8.913), and gender, with males being at higher risk (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.042–2.654). Older age was found to be a protective factor against high PELOD-2 scores (ExpB: 0.996; 95% CI: 0.993–1.00). Conclusion: PELOD-2 scores are significantly associated with poor nutritional status, age, ventilator use, and gender in children treated in the PICU.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ НУТРИТИВНОГО СТАТУСА ДЕТЕЙ С МУКОВИСЦИДОЗОМ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ ЭТНИЧЕСКИХ ГРУПП СЕВЕРНОГО КАВКАЗА

Adequate nutritional status in a patient with cystic fibrosis (CF) positively correlates with the normal function of the bronchopulmonary system. Many domestic and foreign studies have been conducted so far to assess the nutritional status of children and adults with CF. However, there is no data as yet on the phenotypic characteristics of children from different ethnic groups of the North Caucasus depending on their genotype. The purpose of this research was to study the peculiarities of nutritional status in children with CF of the following Russia’s North Caucasus ethnic groups: Chechen, Karachay-Circassian, Dagestani, Ingush and Ossetian-Alanian. Materials and methods used: a single-center open prospective study of 117 children with CF aged 2 months to 17 years old (Me 6 y/o) of various North Caucasus ethnic groups was conducted. All patients have undergone molecular diagnosis and assessment of both nutritional status and exocrine pancreatic function. Results: 50.4% of pediatric patients with CF in the Russia’s North Caucasus have had pathological mutations in c.1545_1546delTA, p.(Tyr515*) and c.3846G&gt;A, p.(Trp1282*) in homozygous state. These mutations were most often found in the Ingush (100%) and Chechen (82%) ethnic groups and somewhat less frequently in the Dagestani (57.1%) and Karachay-Circassian (54%) ethnic groups. In the Chechen and Ossetian-Alanian ethnic groups, when these mutations were detected, severe pancreatic insufficiency was established in 40.5% and 100% of cases, respectively. Pseudo-Bartter syndrome was diagnosed in 60% of cases with this genetic variant in a homozygous or compound heterozygous states during the patients’ first years of life. Indicators for the nutritional status of children with CF from different ethnic groups were significantly lower compared to those recorded officially in the 2021 Russian National Register of Patients with CF. Conclusion: it is necessary to study the course of CF and the state of nutritional status separately in each population and its connection with the identified genetic characteristics of the Russia’s North Caucasus ethnic groups. The genotype and phenotype patterns for these patients were the reason for the development of disorders of the exocrine function of the pancreas and pseudo-Bartter syndrome at an early age, which in its turn could lead to further development of nutritional deficiency.

Prognostics of multiple malaria episodes and nutritional status in children aged 6 to 59 months from 2013 to 2017 in Dangassa, Koulikoro region, Mali

BackgroundIn Africa, the relationship between childhood nutritional status and malaria remains complex and difficult to interpret. Understanding it is important in the improvement of malaria control strategies. This study aimed to assess the influence of nutritional status on the occurrence of multiple malaria episodes in children aged 6 to 59 months between 2013 and 2017 living in the village of Dangassa, Mali.MethodsA community-based longitudinal study was conducted using cross-sectional surveys (CSSs) at the beginning (June) and end (November) of the malaria transmission season associated with passive case detection (PCD) at the Dangassa Community Health Centre. Children with asymptomatic malaria infection during cross-sectional surveys were selected and their malaria episodes followed by PCD. Malaria indicators in person-months were estimated using an ordinal-logistic model repeated on subjects during follow-up periods.ResultsThe incidence rate (IR) during the period of high transmission (June to October), for 1 episode and for 2 + episodes peaked in 2013 with 65 children (IR = 95.73 per 1000 person-months) and 24 cases (IR = 35.35 per 1000 person-months), respectively. As expected, the risk of multiple episodes occurring during the period of high transmission was 3.23 compared to the period of low transmission after adjusting for other model parameters (95% CI [2.45–4.26], p = 0.000). Children with anaemia were at high risk of having multiple episodes (OR = 1.6, 95% CI [1.12–2.30], p = 0.011). However, the risk of having 2 + episodes for anemic children was higher during the period of low transmission (RR = 1.67, 95% CI [1.15–2.42], p = 0.007) compared to the period of high transmission (RR = 1.58, 95% CI [1.09–2.29], p = 0.016). The trend indicated that anemic and underweight children were significantly associated with multiple malaria episodes during the period of low transmission (p < 0.001).ConclusionResults show that multiple episodes of malaria are significantly related to the nutritional status (anaemia and underweight) of the child during the two transmission seasons and more pronounced during the dry season (period of low transmission). Further research including other malnutrition parameters will be needed to confirm these findings.

Effect of maternal supplementation on nutritional status of children at aged 24 month in West Sumatra Province: A prospective cohort trial

Effect of maternal supplementation on nutritional status of children at aged 24 month in West Sumatra Province: A prospective cohort trial

Assessing groundwater quality and its association with child undernutrition in India

Background and objectivesGroundwater contamination poses a significant health challenge in India, particularly impacting children. Despite its importance, limited research has explored the nexus between groundwater quality and child nutrition outcomes. This study addresses this gap, examining the association between groundwater quality and child undernutrition, offering pertinent insights for policymakers. Data and methodsThe study uses data from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) to analyze the association between groundwater quality and child nutritional status. The groundwater quality data were collected by nationwide monitoring stations programmed by CGWB, and the child undernutrition data were obtained from the NFHS-5, 2019–21. The analysis included descriptive and logistic regression model. The study also considers various demographic and socio-economic factors as potential moderators of the relationship between groundwater quality and child undernutrition. FindingsSignificant variation in groundwater quality was observed across India, with numerous regions displaying poor performance. Approximately 26.53 % of geographical areas were deemed unfit for consuming groundwater. Environmental factors such as high temperatures, low precipitation, and arid, alluvial, laterite-type soils are linked to poorer groundwater quality. Unfit-for-consumption groundwater quality increased the odds of undernutrition, revealing a 35 %, 38 %, and 11 % higher likelihood of stunting, underweight, and wasting in children, with higher pH, Magnesium, Sulphate, Nitrate, Total Dissolved Solids, and Arsenic, levels associated with increased odds of stunting, underweight, and wasting. Higher temperatures (>25 °C), high elevations (>1000 m), and proximity to cultivated or industrial areas all contribute to heightened risks of child undernutrition. Children consuming groundwater, lacking access to improved toilets, or living in rural areas are more likely to be undernourished, while females, higher-income households, and those consuming dairy, vegetables, and fruits daily exhibit lower odds of undernutrition. Policy implicationsPolicy implications highlight the urgent need for investment in piped water supply systems. Additionally, focused efforts are required to monitor and improve groundwater quality in regions with poor water quality. Policies should emphasize safe sanitation practices and enhance public awareness about the critical role of safe drinking water in improving child health.

Open Defecation, Livestock Ownership, and Child Nutritional Status in India.

South Asian children are among the most severely malnourished worldwide. One prominent hypothesis is that open defecation in the local area exposes children to human fecal pathogens that can cause diarrhea and malnutrition. Much of the existing research uses district-level measures of open defecation, which could mask important local-area variation. A second hypothesis is that animal fecal matter is a major source of exposure. This analysis tested these dual hypotheses using census data collected from 949 villages in Tamil Nadu, India, and a survey conducted in a random sample of 5,000 households in the same area. The final analytic sample consisted of 2,561 children aged 0-10 years. We estimated the association between the measures of village- and household-level open defecation, household livestock ownership, and child height-for-age Z-scores in a regression framework, controlling for potential confounders. Results revealed that village- and household-level open defecations are negatively associated with child height. There was an estimated difference of approximately 0.5 height-for-age Z-score between children living in villages with no open defecation and children in villages where all households practiced open defecation (P = 0.001) and a 0.2 Z-score difference between children living in households that practiced open defecation and those living in households that did not (P = 0.001). Livestock ownership was not associated with child height. Overall, the findings provide evidence on the centrality of open defecation in explaining persistent child malnutrition in India and the higher risk of exposure to human fecal pathogens compared with animal feces in the south Indian context.

Productive and Reproductive Roles of Women and Associated Factors on the Nutritional Status of Children in Kilindi District, Tanzania

Background: The prevalence of stunting can be caused or lessened by the nature of women&amp;apos;s productive and reproductive roles. The objective of this study was to examine the risk factors of child stunting based on the productive and reproductive roles of women among crop farmers and agro-pastoralists in Kilindi District. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 209 crop farmers and 136 agro-pastoralist women with children aged 6–23 months was conducted. A structured questionnaire was used to gather information on household demographics; time allocated for reproductive roles, women&amp;apos;s involvement in maize farming and sale of maize produce. Anthropometric measurements were taken to determine the nutritional status of children. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Risk factors of stunting were determined using multivariate logistic regressions. Chi-square was used to determine the relationship between women&amp;apos;s involvement in maize farming and the sale of maize in households and stunting. Results: The results from crop farmers revealed that being a male had an increased possibility of stunting by 2.601 times compared to being female (OR = 2.601, 95% CI; 1.302, 5.196). Children aged 13-18 months (OR = 2.820, 95% CI; 1.295, 6.143) and 19-23 months (OR= 4.999, 95% CI; 1.829, 13.664) increased the likelihood of stunting by 2.820 and 4.999 times respectively compared to children aged 6-12 months. Mothers with no formal education augmented the chance of being stunted by 2.212 times compared to mothers with primary education (OR = 2.212, 95% CI; 1.019, 4.799). There is a decreasing probability of children being stunted as time spent on cooking between 21 and 30 hours per week among agro-pastoralist women. Crop farmer women who collected firewood between 11 and 15 hours per week had a 0.205 times lower risk of increasing stunting. Children&amp;apos;s age, gender, and mother&amp;apos;s level of education all increased the likelihood of stunting among crop farmers. Cooking time (21-30 hours per week) among agro-pastoralists and collection of firewood (11-15 hours per week) among crop farmers had a lower risk of increasing the likelihood of stunting. Nutritional interventions should address maternal education, proper child care, and feeding practices.

Association between children's feeding practices and the nutritional status of children 6–23 months in Lao PDR: Evidence from the Provincial Household Survey 2022

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the association between children's feeding practices and the nutritional status of children 6–23 months in Lao PDR.MethodThe study is based on the latest Provincial Household Survey 2022 (PHS 2022). The WHO's guidelines were used to define nutritional status. If height‐for‐age (HAZ), weight‐for‐height (WHZ) and weight‐for‐age (WAZ) z‐scores were below −2, children were considered stunted, wasted and underweight, respectively. Minimum meal frequency (MMF) was considered if breastfeeding children consumed soft foods two times per day for infants 6–8 months and three times for children 9–23 months, and that nonbreastfeeding children consumed solid, semisolid, soft foods or milk feeds four times for children aged 6–23 months the previous day. A child was regarded to have a minimum dietary diversity (MDD) if they had consumed foods from at least five of the eight main groups the previous day. Minimum acceptable diet (MAD) was considered if children aged 6–23 months had at least the MMF and the MDD indicators in the previous 24 h.ResultsThere was a significant (p &lt; 0.05) positive relationship between MAD and stunting among children aged 6–23 months. Regarding the predictors of MMF, MDD and MAD, the probability of MDD and MAD increased with the child's age, whereas MMF decreased. We found that the higher the mother's education, the probability of their children attaining MDD, MMF and MAD increased. A significant negative relationship was observed among children living in rural areas with MMF, MDD and MAD. Our analysis also found that children who were not currently breastfed were less likely to meet MMF, MDD and MAD compared with children who were currently breastfed.ConclusionInterventions for infant and young child feeding (IYFC) in Lao PDR, with a particular emphasis on rural households, mothers with little to no education, and new parents, should be targeted for future nutrition interventions to increase optimal feeding practices among the children.

A systematic review on research trends, datasets, algorithms, and frameworks of children’s nutritional status prediction

&lt;a name="_Hlk138773759"&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;The monitoring of children's nutritional status serves as a crucial tool for assessing the health of both children and society as a whole. In this regard, machine learning has been employed to predict nutritional status for monitoring purposes. This topic has been extensively discussed; however, the question remains as to which algorithm or machine learning framework can yield the highest accuracy in predicting the nutritional status of children within a specific region. Furthermore, determining the appropriate dataset for predictions is also crucial. Therefore, this review aims to identify and analyze the research trends, dataset characteristics, algorithms, and frameworks utilized in studies pertaining to the nutritional status of children under the age of five from 2017 to early 2022. The selected papers focus on the application of machine learning techniques in predicting nutritional status. The findings of this research reveal that the Bangladesh DHS 2014 dataset is among the popular choices for machine learning applications in this field. The most commonly employed algorithms include Neural Networks, Random Forests, Logistic Regression, and Decision Trees which demonstrated promising performance. Lastly, the data preprocessing stage within a framework plays a significant role in models aimed at predicting nutritional status.&lt;/span&gt;

An Overview of School-Age Children's Nutritional Status in the Talang Banjar Health Center's Working Area, Jambi City

An Overview of School-Age Children's Nutritional Status in the Talang Banjar Health Center's Working Area, Jambi City

Sosialisasi Aplikasi “Saga Sehat” pada Kader Posyandu di Tanjung Kamuning Kabupaten Garut

The nutritional status of children under the age of five is an important indicator of health, as young children are a vulnerable group to nutritional health. The growth process is very rapid, namely physical growth and psychomotor, mental and social development, so it is necessary to obtain nutrition from daily food in proper quantities and good quality. The village of Tanjung Kamuning is one of the villages that are in Tarogong Community Health Center work area in Garut district. The unrecorded problems in the village are the results of a structured weighing of the newspapers carried out by the posyandu (integrated service post) cadres that were used as reporting material for the puskesmas. Innovation tool that serves as a monitoring media and a system that acts as a container for storing and managing news data connected to the Internet for ease of access is the application "Saga Sehat." The purpose of public dedication is to improve the knowledge of caders related to the use of the application “Saga Sehat” related to growth monitoring efforts in news. Implementation methods are designation and practice of use of application “Saga Sehat.”. Activities are carried out on caders. Caders played a very active role in this activity

Maternal misperception of under-five children weight status and associated factors: A cross-sectional study.

Maternal perceptions, about the nutritional status of their children, may have implications for timely health care seeking and feeding behaviour. Shreds of evidence are limited in this area that assessed maternal perception about the nutritional status of the children in the context of Bangladesh. The objective of this study is to assess the differences in mothers' perceptions about their children's nutritional status who are less than 5 years of age and their associated factors in the context of urban slum areas. A cross-sectional study (Quantitative approach) was conducted in two of the largest urban slums of Dhaka city. A total of 437 mother-children dyads were included in the final analysis. The outcome of interest was the mother's 'varied perceptions' regarding the nutritional status of their children under five. 'Varied perception' refers to the difference between a mother's subjective assessment of her child's nutritional condition and the anthropometrically measured nutritional status. The prevalence of mother's varied perceptions was around 46%, and among them, 37% of mothers underestimated and 9% overestimated their child's nutritional status. 'The child doesn't want to eat' (AOR = 3.69; 95% CI: 2.34-5.85; p < 0.001) and 'Feels light when carried' (AOR = 3.39; 95% CI: 1.69-6.81; p = 0.001) were the significant reasons behind the mother's perception about the nutritional status of their under-five children. About one in two mothers' perceptions about their children varied from the anthropometry-derived status. Various research findings indicate that providing health education on proper feeding practices for children, along with anthropometric measurements, can assist mothers in enhancing their understanding and assessing their child's nutritional status with greater accuracy. Further qualitative research may be instrumental in getting deeper insights into maternal perception to develop context-specific interventions.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Severe and Very Severe Pneumonia in Infants

Background: Childhood pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in developing countries. World Health Organization (WHO) stated that pneumonia is the cause of mortality of around 1.2 million children under 5 years per year. The high incidence of very severe pneumonia cases with preventable risk factors become the background of this study.Purpose: The aim of our study was to describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics of severe and very severe pneumonia in infants and children.Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study were conducted from January 2017 to December 2018. We obtained clinical and demographic data of each patient based on medical records.The diagnosis of pneumonia was made clinically based on the Indonesian Ministry of Health criteria. Prematurity was defined as babies born with gestational age less than 37 weeks, low birth weight was defined as babies with birth weight less than 2500 grams. The nutritional status of children is clinically and anthropometrically evaluated using 2006 WHO curve of weight-by-age. Results: A total of 465 patients were diagnosed with pneumonia during 48 months study. 212 patients were excluded and 253 pneumonia patients met the inclusion criteria, 140 patients with very severe pneumonia and 113 patients with severe pneumonia. Among 253 patients, 141 were boys. 125 patients were 2-5 months of age. 71 patients were born with low birth weight and 62 patients had history of preterm birth. There were 86 patients receiving exclusive breastfeeding and 138 patients with complete immunization status. There were 131 patients with moderate and severe malnutrition, and 127 patients with comorbidity factors. 94 patients developed pneumonia with suspected bacterial causative agents.Conclusion: Lower age, prematurity, low birth weight, poor nutritional status, exclusive breastfeeding, comorbidities, and suspected bacterial causative agents are common characteristics of severe and very severe pneumonia in infants and children in Dr. Soetomo Surabaya.