Nutritional Status Of Infants Research Articles

Infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF): Its impact on nutritional status of infants 6-23 months in Akpabuyo, cross river state, Nigeria

Infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF): Its impact on nutritional status of infants 6-23 months in Akpabuyo, cross river state, Nigeria

Complementary feeding practices and nutritional status in infants living in Turkey: Iowa infant feeding attitude scale and complementary feeding index.

Although complementary feeding (CF) and maternal attitudes towards infant feeding are known to affect the nutritional status of infants during the neonatal period, studies in this field remain limited. The present study aimed to determine CF practices for infants aged 6-12 months who live in Turkey and maternal attitudes towards infant feeding. In addition, the effects of CF practices and maternal attitudes on the nutritional status of infants were examined. This study included 720 infants, of whom 289 were aged 6-8 months and 431 were aged 9-12 months. CF status was assessed using the CF index (CFI), and maternal attitudes towards infant feeding were measured using the Iowa infant feeding attitude scale (IIFAS). The weight and length measurements of infants were categorized using z-scores. Infants with weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) and weight-for-length z-score (WLZ) of less than -2 standard deviation were categorized as malnourished. Mothers of malnourished infants were found to have lower CFI and IIFAS scores (p < 0.05). Consistency of fruit feeding and complementary foods in the first 3 days of CF was associated with WAZ. The mothers' level of knowledge about CF and appropriate CF practices significantly affects the nutritional status of infants. The tools used in the present study to monitor CF practices should be incorporated into public health programmes.

Relationship Between Early Complex Food Practice with Nutritional Status Among Children Age 7 to 23 Months

Aims:: Knowing the factors associated with the practice of early complementary feeding with the nutritional status of infants aged 7 to 23 months in Sipayung Village, Cipanas District, Lebak Regency. Method: A cross-sectional design was used for quantitative and analytical study. A purposive sampling method was used to choose 51 mothers with babies between the ages of 7 and 23 months as the study sample. A questionnaire was used as the study tool. The square test was used to look at the primary data. Result: The single-variable study showed that 82.4% of infants had good nutrition and 72.5% of those who were given MP ASI did so correctly. The bivariate analysis showed that there was a link between the number of times MP-ASI was given, the age at which it was first given, how often it was given, how consistently it was given, and the infant's nutritional status (p value = 0.000). Conclusion: The practice of giving MP-ASI has to do with how well babies ages 7 to 23 months are eating. Mothers of babies should always pay attention to how, how often, and how much they feed their babies as they get older. This includes the form, frequency, and amount of food. The mother of the baby can also regularly weigh her child at the posyandu

Pengaruh Pemberian Air Susu Ibu Eksklusif terhadap Status Gizi Bayi

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life without additional food and drink is important for optimal growth of the baby. Good nutritional status of the baby can be assessed through indicators of weight/length or weight/height based on WHO (World Health Organization) standards. To determine the effect of exclusive breastfeeding on the nutritional status of infants in Mare District, Bone Regency. The type of research conducted was descriptive analytical with a cross-sectional design. The number of samples is 50 babies. Babies who receive exclusive breastfeeding with good nutritional status are 40 babies (100%) and the status of being at risk of overweight nutrition is 0 babies (0%). Then babies who do not receive exclusive breastfeeding with good nutritional status are 9 babies (90%) and the status of being at risk of overweight nutrition is 1 baby (10%). Based on the results of the Chi-Square test, p = 0.043 was obtained, which means p value &lt; 0.05. There is a relationship (correlation) between exclusive breastfeeding and the nutritional status of infants in Mare District, Bone Regency.

The role of community health and nutrition volunteers in improving the health and nutrition status of infant and young children in remote areas, Hajjah, Yemen

BackgroundIn Yemen, morbidity and malnutrition are major public health problems. The Community Health and Nutrition Volunteers (CHNVs) program was launched to tackle these problems through providing services to mothers and their children residing in remote villages. Since establishment of the CHNVs program in Yemen, its outcome has never been evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the role of CHNVs in improving the immunization, morbidity and nutritional status of infant and young children (IYC).MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study design was conducted in Al-Maghrabah and Bani-Qais districts, Hajjah governorate. It was carried out between January and April 2023. A three-stage cluster sampling method was used. A total of 926 IYC with their mothers were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire. SPSS 26 was used for data analysis. The multinomial logistic regression and chi-square or fisher exact tests were used to compare the vaccination, morbidity and nutritional status of IYC between the volunteer and non-volunteer villages. Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were calculated. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe IYC in volunteer villages were more likely to be fully or partially vaccinated compared to those in non-volunteer villages [OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.5–3.7, p < 0.0001, and OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3–2.8, p = 0.001, respectively]. The specific coverage rates for BCG, and the 1st and 2nd doses of OPV/Pentavalent/Pneumo/Rota vaccines were significantly higher in the volunteer compared to non-volunteer villages [(OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.3–2.5, p < 0.0001), (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2–2.1, p = 0.003), and (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2-2.0, p = 0.002), respectively]. Moreover, the prevalence of diarrhea and fever among IYC was significantly lower in the volunteer compared to non-volunteer villages [(OR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5–0.9, p = 0.004) and (OR = 0.7 95% CI: 0.5–0.9, p = 0.045), respectively].ConclusionsThe study found that CHNVs play a significant role in improving vaccination status and the coverage rate for BCG, and 1st and 2nd doses of OPV/Pentavalent/Pneumo/Rota vaccines, and reducing the prevalence of diarrhea and fever among IYC in their villages compared to non-volunteer villages, in Hajjah governorate. Future follow-up study and expansion to other settings in different governorates is recommended.

Prevalence and associated factors of maternal depression among mothers of children with undernutrition at comprehensive specialized hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia in 2023: a cross-sectional study.

Malnutrition is one of the most significant child health problems in developing countries, accounting for an estimated 53% of child deaths per year. Depression is the leading cause of disease-related disability in women and adversely affects the health and well-being of mothers and their children. Studies have shown that maternal depression has an impact on infant growth and nutritional status. However, evidence is scarce regarding the relationship between maternal depression and child malnutrition. The general objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of maternal depression among mothers of undernourished children at comprehensive specialized hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia in 2023. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 465 participants. Outcome variables were assessed using a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Data were analyzed using SPSS-25. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Variables with a p-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). The prevalence of maternal depression among mothers of children with undernutrition was 36.4% (95% CI = 32%-41%). According to a multivariate analysis, lack of maternal education (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.872, 95% CI = 1.502-5.492), unemployment (AOR = 2.581, 95% CI = 1.497-4.451), poor social support (AOR = 2.209, 95% CI = 1.314-3.713), perceived stigma (AOR = 2.243, 95% CI = 1.414-3.560), and stunting (AOR = 1.913, 95% CI = 1.129-3.241) were factors significantly associated with maternal depression. The overall prevalence of maternal depression was higher among mothers of children with undernutrition. This higher prevalence was associated with several factors, including lack of education, unemployment, poor social support, high perceived stigma, and stunted physical growth in the children themselves. To decrease maternal depression, we can address these factors by increasing the level of maternal education and employment opportunities, strengthening social support systems, reducing stigma, and providing interventions to reduce stunting.

Assistance in Strengthening MPASI (Complementary Foods for Breast Milk) Education for Optimizing Toddler Growth: Community Service in Lot Kala Village, Kebayakan District, Central Aceh Regency, Indonesia

Providing appropriate complementary food for breast milk (MPASI) is a crucial factor in supporting optimal growth and development of babies and toddlers. However, lack of knowledge and correct practice of providing MPASI is still a problem in various communities, including in Lot Kala Village, Kebayakan District, Central Aceh Regency, Indonesia. This Community Service aims to provide assistance in strengthening MPASI education for the mother community in the village. This study uses a participatory community service approach. Mentoring activities include counseling regarding the principles of providing appropriate MPASI, demonstrations on making homemade MPASI, as well as regular monitoring and evaluation. Data was collected through interviews, observations and questionnaires. Data analysis was carried out descriptively qualitatively and quantitatively. The results of this community service show an increase in mothers' knowledge regarding MPASI, an increase in mothers' skills in making homemade MPASI, as well as a change in the mother's attitude to become more positive towards giving homemade MPASI. Apart from that, there was an increase in the nutritional status of infants and toddlers after the intervention. Assistance in strengthening MPASI education has proven to be effective in increasing mothers' knowledge, skills and attitudes towards providing MPASI. This program is recommended for replication in other communities that have similar problems.

The Relationship of Breastfeeding Patterns with The Nutritional Status of Infants 6–24 Months

Babies who are exclusively breastfed will get all the advantages of breast milk and maximum nutrition. On the other hand, the incidence of malnutrition in the future is largely determined by breastfeeding patterns. The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between breastfeeding patterns and the nutritional status of babies aged 6–24 months at the Islamic Boarding School I Community Health Center, Kediri City. This study used a cross-sectional design. The research population was mothers who had babies aged 6–24 months at the Pesantren I Health Center in Kediri City in August–October 2023, for a total of 150 babies. The research sample consisted of several mothers who had babies aged 6–24 months at the Pesantren I Health Center in Kediri City who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 110 respondents. The research instrument for assessing breastfeeding patterns uses a questionnaire, while nutritional status is assessed using height and weight measurements. Data analysis used the Spearman rho statistical test. Half of the mothers had a pattern of predominant breastfeeding, namely 50%. Based on nutritional status, undernutrition 28.2%,. The Lambda test results show p = 0.016, meaning that there was a relationship between breastfeeding patterns and the nutritional status of children aged 6-24 months. The magnitude of the correlation was 0.152 which indicates the correlation very weak category. Breast milk given exclusively during the first 6 months of life can provide sufficient nutrition for the baby's growth and development.

HUBUNGAN POLA ASUH DAN PEMBERIAN ASI EKSKLUSIF DENGAN STATUS GIZI BAYI DI KLINIK SARGIATI Amd.Keb TAHUN 2023

The focus on improving public nutrition in Indonesia remains centered on addressing the nutritional status of Indonesian children. According to the 2014 Global Nutrition Report (GNR), Indonesia is one of 17 out of 117 countries facing the triple burden of stunting, wasting, and overweight among infants or toddlers within the first days of life. Despite efforts, exclusive breastfeeding rates in Indonesia have not met the targeted 80%. In 2016, exclusive breastfeeding rates for infants aged 0-5 months were at 54.0%, while only 29.5% were exclusively breastfed up to 6 months. Although South Sumatra province has surpassed the national average with a rate of 60.4%, it still falls short of the desired 80%. Researchers focused on the Sargiati Amd clinic, particularly exploring the correlation between parenting styles, exclusive breastfeeding, and infant nutritional status. Among the 19 respondents, the majority exhibited a certain parenting style. Among them, 11 individuals had good nutritional status (36.7%), while 8 had poor nutritional status (36.7%). Only a minority (6.7%) had poor nutritional status. Surprisingly, among those with good parenting habits, the majority had poor nutritional status (23.3%), while the minority had good nutritional status (13.3%). Statistical analysis using a chi-square test with a significance level of 0.05 yielded a p-value of 0.256 (P &gt; 0.05), indicating acceptance of the null hypothesis (Ho) and rejection of the alternative hypothesis (Ha). Thus, no significant relationship was found between parenting style and nutritional status. However, there was a significant relationship between parents' eating habits and healthy habits with nutritional status (p = 0.014; p = 0.006).

Baby-friendly workplace initiatives in child feeding practice as predictors of infant and young child anthropometric indices in public health facilities of Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundBaby-friendly workplace is an effective evidence based initiative developed by the World Health Organization to protect and support maternal knowledge, beliefs, and confidence in infant and young child feeding practices. However, studies that show the effect of the baby-friendly workplace initiative on the nutritional status of infant and young children are not available in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the nutritional status among baby friendly initiatives service utlizers and non utlizers children age 6–24 months in public health facilities of Southern Ethiopia.MethodsWe conducted a comparative cross-sectional study from 1 to 30 June 2022 among 220 mothers with children aged 6–24 months. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Data were entered into Epidata Software version 4.2 and then exported to IBM SPSS version 26 software for analysis. Chi-square and Fisher exact test were used to assess the differences between users and non-users of the baby friendly workplace initiative. Logistic regression model was used to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval was computed. P-values < 0.05 at a 95% confidence level were considered statistically significant.ResultThe mean (SD) scores of weight for age (WAZ), height for age (HAZ), and weight for height (WHZ) were − 0.38 (1.34),-0.17(2.62) and-0.35 (1.84) respectively. After adjusting for covariates, children aged 6–24 months who did not use baby friendly workplace initiatives were 2.26 times more likely to have stunting compared to the users of baby friendly workplace initiative (AOR 2.26, 95% CI: 1.05, 4.88). However, both wasting (AOR: 0.42; 95% CI:0.13, 1.37) and underweight (AOR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.45, 2.60) were not significantly associated with the use of baby friendly workplace initiatives.ConclusionThe use of baby friendly work place initiatives was successful in improving nutritional status, specifically chronic malnutrition in children. Strengthening and scaling up the baby friendly work place initiative program has the potential to reduce chronic malnutrition in Ethiopia and other similar settings with high burden of malnutrition areas, by implementing it in public facilities.

Nutritional status of infants and young children in India across three decades: Analysis of five national family health surveys.

Three indicators of early childhood undernutrition and associated factors are evaluated among under-5 children in five National Family Health Surveys in India spanning 1992 to 2021. Data for 533,495 children under 5 years of age (U-5) were analysed in the context of three commonly used indicators of early childhood undernutrition - wasting, stunting and underweight. In addition to descriptive and inferential statistics, binary logistic regression was used to estimate the effects of specific explanatory factors on the three indicators using adjusted odds ratios. Over the three-decade interval, stunting was reduced by 22.1% in boys and 20.9% in girls, followed by underweight, 19.3% in boys and 17.4% in girls; wasting, in contrast, was reduced to a considerably lesser extent, 2.8% in boys and 0.9% in girls. Demographic, maternal and socioeconomic factors were associated with the incidence of early childhood undernutrition, specifically among young mothers and those with less education in low-income families, and among children from Scheduled Tribes or Scheduled Castes. Stunting and underweight declined significantly over the past three decades while wasting changed negligibly. The disparity in the occurrence of early childhood undernutrition was apparent throughout socioeconomic categories and regions of India. The results highlight the need for special programs aimed at reducing waste among children and also the need for customized initiatives focused on the improvement of maternal education and wealth in addition to other ancillary factors related to regional variation.

The Effects of Different Feeding Practices on the Nutritional Status of Infants below 12 Months Old in the Kumba 1 Sub-Division

The Effects of Different Feeding Practices on the Nutritional Status of Infants below 12 Months Old in the Kumba 1 Sub-Division

Association Between Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices and Nutritional Status Among Children Aged 6 to 24 Months in Terengganu

Infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF) have an important role in defining children's nutritional status and optimizing a child's development rate in the first two years of life. This study aimed to determine the association between infant and young child feeding practices and the nutritional status of children aged 6 to 24 months in Kuala Nerus and Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu. A total of 293 mothers and children aged between 6 to 24 months were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometrics comprised weight and height/length. The nutritional status of the children, namely weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ), height/length-for-age z-scores (LAZ) and weight-for-length z-scores (WLZ) were generated based on WHO Child Growth Standard. IYCF practices among participants were determined using a validated questionnaire adapted from FAO. A total of 52.2% boys and 47.8% girls participated in this study. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children were 26.3%, 6.8%, and 14.7% respectively. The majority (70.6%) of the participants have good practice on IYCF. However, there is no significant association between IYCF practices and the nutritional status of the children (p&gt;0.05). In conclusion, the majority of the participants have good practice with IYCF and only 1.7% have poor practice. Therefore, by promoting the IYCF practices, it can be a great tool to assess the health status of the children.

Dietary Diversity and Nutritional Status: An Association Among the Elderly

Background: Old age and nutrition have become a Global challenge. Inadequate dietary intake arises mostly as a result of physiological changes which contribute to malnutrition. Studies conducted in India focused mainly on the Nutritional Status of Infants and Pregnant women, leaving out this important age group which is also vulnerable to malnutrition. The focus of this study was to find out the dietary diversity and its association with nutritional status among the rural elderly. Materials and Methods: This study was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted among 200 elderly participants from twelve selected villages in Chengalpattu district by multistage random sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire obtained from the Food and Agricultural Organization was used to find out Dietary Diversity. Nutritional status was assessed by the Mini Nutrition Assessment tool and Anthropometric indices. The collected data was analysed using SPSS version 21. Results: The mean dietary diversity score was 7.2±1.8. 37% of respondents with dietary diversity scores below the mean value were considered to have Inadequate dietary diversity while 63 % consume diverse diets. Nutritional assessment based on WHO BMI standards revealed undernutrition among 21.5% of respondents while 60% were of normal weight. Chi-square revealed a statistically significant association between Dietary Diversity and Nutritional status (p value=0.000) Conclusion: The present study found that most study participants were consuming a diverse diet and those subjects with better dietary diversity scores had their Body Mass Index in the normal range. This indicates that adequate dietary diversity can contribute to the attainment of optimum nutritional status.

Association between infant and young child feeding indicators and the nutritional status of children aged 6-23 months in rural areas of Hunan Province in 2019

To estimate the status of complementary feeding among infants and young children aged 6-23 months in rural areas of Hunan Province. The association between infant and young child feeding indicators and child undernutrition were assessed. A total of 1220 infants and young children aged 6-23 months from 24 investigated places of 6 cities in Hunan Province were selected by multi-stage stratified sampling for physical measurement, hemoglobin(Hb) test and caregiver interview. Complementary diet was analyzed according to the World Health Organization&apos;s definition of infant and young child feeding indicators. Z-scores were used to elevate nutrition status. Logistic regression models were used to explore the influencing factors of the nutritional status. The prevalence rates of underweight, stunting, wasting, overweight, obesity and anemia were 3.6%, 4.8%, 2.7%, 10.5%, 2.0% and 16.3%. The percentage of infants and young children aged 6-23 months in rural areas of Hunan Province who get minimum dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency, and minimum acceptable diet was 43.3%, 68.5% and 28.1%. None of the individual infant and young child feeding indicators showed significant association with undernutrition, except minimum meal frequency for obesity and anemia. The nutritional status of infants and young children in rural areas of Hunan Province has improved, but the anemia problem is still serious. Complementary feeding frequency is closely associated with anemia for infants and young children.

Anthropometric Differences in Community- Versus Clinic-Recruited Infants Participating in a Trial of Azithromycin for Prevention of Childhood Mortality in Burkina Faso.

Clinic-based recruitment for preventative interventions for child health may select for healthier populations compared with community-based outreach. Nutritional status during infancy as measured by anthropometry is predictive of mortality, growth faltering later in life, and poor cognitive development outcomes. We evaluated baseline differences in infant nutritional status among children recruited directly in their community versus clinic recruitment among infants participating in a trial of azithromycin compared with placebo for prevention of mortality in three districts of Burkina Faso. Infants between 5 and 12 weeks of age were recruited in their community of residence via vaccine outreach teams or in primary health-care clinics during vaccine clinics. Weight, height, and mid upper arm circumference were measured. We used linear and logistic regression models to compare anthropometric outcomes among community and clinic recruited infants, adjusting for age at enrollment, gender, and season. Among 32,877 infants enrolled in the trial, 21,273 (64.7%) were recruited via community outreach. Mean weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) was -0.60 ± 1.2 (SD), weight-for-length z-score (WLZ) was -0.16 ± 1.5, and length-for-age z-score was-0.53 ± 1.3. Infants enrolled in the community had lower WAZ (mean difference, -0.12; 95% CI, -0.20 to -0.04) and WLZ (mean difference, -0.21; 95% CI, -0.32 to -0.09). Community-recruited infants were more often underweight (WAZ < -2; odds ratio [OR], 1.25; 95% CI, 1.09-1.43) and wasted (WLZ < -2; OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.31-1.79). There was no evidence of a difference in height-based measures. Community and clinic recruitment likely reach different populations of children.

Evaluating the Relationship Between Maternal Postpartum Depression, Infant Feeding Practices, and Infant Nutritional Status at a Maternity Hospital in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Postpartum depression is a major maternal mental problem that has been shown to contribute to malnutrition in infants. This cross-sectional study explores the association between maternal postpartum depression (PPD) and infant feeding practices as well as infant nutritional status among infants aged 6-14 weeks at Eldoret West Maternity Hospital (EWMH) in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study involved 257 women of reproductive age with infants aged 6-14 weeks postpartum attending postnatal and maternal and child health clinics at EWMH. Data was collected using a modified Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to screen for PPD and other questionnaires to gather sociodemographic information, feeding practices, and infant nutritional status. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess associations between maternal PPD, infant feeding practices, and nutritional status. The prevalence of maternal PPD was 17.5%, with 1 in 6 mothers affected. Exclusive breastfeeding was practiced by 94.6% of mothers, exceeding the national level of 60%. Mothers with PPD were more likely to practice nonexclusive breastfeeding and were 1.4, 1.8, and 1.6 times more likely to have stunted, wasted, and underweight infants respectively than mothers without PPD though the association was not statistically significant after adjusting for confounders.Maternal PPD is prevalent among mothers at EWMH and is more likely to influence infant feeding practices particularly non-exclusive breastfeeding and nutritional status. Stunting, wasting and underweight were prevalent in infants of mothers with PPD. These findings underscore the importance of integrating mental health and nutritional support services for mothers and infants in maternal healthcare settings. Early identification and intervention for maternal PPD can help improve infant feeding practices and nutritional outcomes, promoting the well-being of both mothers and their infants.

Difference Between Breastfeeding and Complementary food with Nutritional Status in Infants Aged 6-24 Months in the Working Area of the Pare Health Center

Background: The problem of malnutrition in toddlers is the impact of low exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months and improper breastfeeding because it is given too early or too late, the amount is not enough to meet the needs of growth and development of babies at each age stage. Objective: to determine the difference between breastfeeding and MP-ASI with nutritional status in infants aged 6-24 months. Method: This study used a cross-sectional design. The study sample was mothers who had babies aged 6-24 months as many as 30 respondents with 2 groups of breastfeeding and MP-ASI (15 respondents per group) using quota sampling. The research was placed in the working area of the Pare Health Center for 2 weeks with questionnaire instruments according to the experience of breastfeeding and MP-ASI, as well as Z score measurement. Analysis of paired sample t-test. Results: The results of this study showed that most of the 15 respondents breastfeeding had less nutritional status as many as 9 respondents (60%), while of the 15 respondents of MP-ASI most had good nutritional status as many as 10 respondents (66.7%). Conclusion: Families must be more careful in understanding the nutritional needs of infants with a combination of nutritional content needed by the body in accordance with the stage of development and nutritional needs in infants aged 6-24 months.

Measuring growth in critically ill neonates and children.

Critical illness increases the risk of malnutrition in both infants and children. Malnutrition risk is multifactorial and includes premorbid factors as well as changes in nutrient metabolism and energy demands during critical illness. Inadequate nutrition has been linked to poor health outcomes and prolonged length of stay in the intensive care unit, demonstrating the importance of both recognizing and addressing malnutrition in this population. Assessing growth and identifying malnutrition requires methodical measurement of growth and a collaborative, multimodal approach to nutrition assessment. Among the nutrition assessment and growth evaluation tools, neonatal, preterm, pediatric, and disease-specific growth charts remain an important component of growth assessment and should be used along with a nutrition-focused physical examination. Routine measurement promotes the identification of potential growth delays that may require interventions. Indirect calorimetry adds an additional layer of detail for a complete picture of each infant or child's unique nutrition status and progress. Quality improvement research on a national level is urgently needed to assess the adequacy and availability of resources in neonatal and pediatric critical care units and to further the development of standard clinical outcome measures for nutrition assessment and intervention in the critically ill neonate and child.

Effect of feeding pattern on the stage of primary dentition eruption in relation to growth parameters

Background: Feeding is a complicated process that involves the coordination of cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), and oropharyngeal mechanisms, with support from the musculoskeletal and craniofacial systems. The practice of feeding could be correlated with eruption stage and nutritional status in infants. Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess the relation of feeding patterns to a selected oral variable (stage of the eruption of primary teeth) and growth parameters among clinically healthy infants. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study on a sample of (300) infants aged between 6 and 18 months was performed in Karbala City, Iraq. The feeding pattern was investigated using an information sheet answered by parents. The stage of dental emergence was evaluated through intraoral examination. Growth parameters (height, weight, head circumference) were analyzed. Results: Bottle-fed infants had higher total tooth eruption incidence and nutritional status than the other feeding groups, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Bottle-fed infants had the highest mean of erupted primary teeth and nutritional status.