Rates Of Malnutrition Research Articles

Assessment of the inclusiveness of health services and challenges in the context of scheduled tribes in Kerala

This study investigates the health challenges faced by scheduled tribes (S.T.s) in Kerala, a state renowned for its progressive health indicators. Despite significant advancements in healthcare, S.T.s remains marginalised, with a population of 484839 as per the 2011 census. The paper aims to assess the inclusiveness of health services, explore the stagnation of health outcomes in tribal areas, evaluate the effectiveness of health policies, and examine the adequacy of existing health infrastructure. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study reveals high illiteracy rates and limited access to employment as primary barriers to social and economic progress. Approximately 90 percent of the tribal population engages in seasonal, low-income labour, and around 80 percent live below the poverty line. Health issues prevalent among these communities include malnutrition, anaemia, and high rates of infectious diseases, exacerbated by inadequate sanitation and water facilities. The study highlights a concerning reliance on traditional practices, leading to underutilisation of available health services. Key findings indicate that maternal health and hygiene are critical areas needing intervention, particularly regarding menstrual health issues. The functioning of community health workers, such as ASHAs, requires enhancement to ensure timely access to healthcare information and services. Recommendations emphasise the need for targeted educational initiatives, improved employment opportunities, and better maintenance of health infrastructure to foster inclusivity and address the pressing health challenges faced by scheduled tribes in Kerala.

A community-based intervention (the Omama Project) improves neurodevelopment in impoverished 2-year-old Roma children: a quasi-experimental observational study

High rates of childhood neurodisability are reported among the Roma, Europe’s largest ethnic minority community. Interventions targeting early child development (ECD) during the first 2 years of life can improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in vulnerable children; however, evidence from Roma preschoolers is scarce. In a quasi-experimental observational study, we compared neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 2 years, measured on the INTERGROWTH-21st Project Neurodevelopmental Assessment (INTER-NDA), between Roma children receiving a community-based ECD intervention (RI, n = 98), and age- and sex-matched Roma and non-Roma children (RC, n = 99 and NRC, n = 54, respectively) who did not receive the intervention in Eastern Slovakia. The intervention was delivered between 3 weeks and 20 months in weekly home-based sessions by trained Roma women from matched settlements to RIs. Compared with RC, RI had higher 2-year cognitive (B = 0.15; 95% CI, 0.04, 0.25), language (B = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.11, 0.38) and fine motor (B = 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01, 0.16) scores. After adjustment for covariates, cognitive delay decreased by 88% in RI compared with RC (aOR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.03, 0.53). Linear growth at 24 months was a key predictor of developmental scores for both groups (range, B = 0.04–0.14; 95% CI, 0.01, 0.07 and 0.09, 0.20).Conclusions: Our results highlight that, without directly intervening on nutritional and poverty status, a community-based ECD intervention, delivered by trained Roma women to Roma children, can significantly improve neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 2 years.What is Known:• The Roma are Europe’s largest ethnic minority. High rates of neurodisability, malnutrition and poverty are reported in Roma preschoolers.• Optimal early child development (ECD) is foundational to lifecourse health and wellbeing. Early interventions improve ECD outcomes in vulnerable children; however, evidence from Roma communities is limited.What is New:• The Omama project is a community-based ECD intervention, delivered by trained Roma women to Roma children aged 3 weeks to 20 months living in impoverished settlements in Eastern Slovakia.• Roma children receiving the intervention had (i) higher cognitive, language and fine motor scores and (ii) lower rates of cognitive delay compared with controls.

Perspectives related to food sovereignty and climate change: Research agenda and related global factors

Abstract* The processes of industrialization and overconsumption of natural resources have resulted in significant environmental changes and degradation. Furthermore, the discrepancy between social and economic classes has resulted in the emergence of inequality among social groups. These issues have been further exacerbated by the advent of the global pandemic, with the greatest impact being observed in some nations, which has served to further widen the social and economic gaps. Consequently, world leaders are keen to take action to mitigate these impacts and disparities among different social groups, given that environmental degradation and climate change have a significant impact on human and planetary health. Furthermore, these factors impede the ability of individuals in disadvantaged social groups to exercise their right to food sovereignty. The objective of this article is to identify perspectives on food sovereignty in the context of climate change impacts through a bibliometric analysis. The analysis reveals that climate change research is an emerging field, with the United States playing a significant role in its development. The principal conclusion is that developed countries are primarily concerned with addressing the challenges posed by climate change to food sovereignty. Furthermore, a correlation was identified between regional CO₂ emissions and malnutrition rates, indicating a potential link between environmental degradation and food security.

Prevalence Determinants of Malnutrition among Under-five Children of Farming Households in Nigeria

The prevalence of child malnutrition among farming households in rural Nigeria is a burden to the economy now and in the future. Secondary data was employed in the study, collected from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) for 2018 conducted by the National Population Commission (NPC). The study focused on 3,177 children (0-57 months) whose fathers were employed in agriculture. Descriptive statistics, probit regression, and the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were utilised. The study affirmed moderately high child malnutrition in Nigeria. The disaggregation revealed that the northern zone (55.31%) had higher child malnutrition than the southern zone (32.19%). The likelihood that a child selected at random would be malnourished was higher in the northern geopolitical zones. The higher child malnutrition rate in the northwest than in the northeast geopolitical zone posited that insecurity alone did not cause child malnutrition among rural farming households in Nigeria. There was significant variation in child malnutrition status among the geopolitical zones. Household size, mother’s education and household economic status influenced child malnutrition in the Northeast, northwest, and northcentral, respectively. Additionally, distance to healthcare facilities, mother’s age and mothers’ engagement in agriculture drive child malnutrition in the northcentral, northeast and southern geopolitical zones. Consequently, training of unemployed mothers in craft making and processing of agricultural produce (northcentral and southern zone) to enhance household income by NGOs, intensification of the family planning campaign (northcentral and northeast) by NGOs and health Department of Local Government Area and basic/adult education (northwest) are the geopolitical zones’ specific recommendations to reduce child malnutrition in Nigeria.

Oral health and nutritional status of children in developing countries: A scoping review

Oral diseases, especially caries and malnutrition, are two major problems the world faces in developing countries. World Health Organization (WHO) report 2019 states that caries is the first non-communicable disease (NCD) suffered by children worldwide. In addition, malnutrition rates are still very high and most of them are in low-income countries. Many studies have suggested a relationship between oral health and children's nutritional status. However, the relationship between the two has not been consistent. Therefore, we conducted a scoping review to learn more about the relationship in developing countries. We obtained a total of 1,707 articles published in the last 10 years from two databases, Scopus and Science Direct. Ten relevant articles, written in English and published from 2015 to 2024, were reviewed and satisfied the inclusion criteria: a study about the relationship between oral health problems and nutritional status of 6 years old children and below who live in developing countries,. The 10reviewed articles were taken from eight developing countries in which nine articles used a cross-sectional design and only one article used a longitudinal cohort design. The results of the review shows that caries status studies related to nutritional status are five studies. Meanwhile, the remaining 5 articles shows no substantial relationship. In this scope, we used BMI (Body Mass Index) as an indicator for nutritional status. Further research is still needed, particularly in a longitudinal cohort design to get a clearer understanding of the causal relationship between both.

Development of 'Papadangan’ as an eating culture among under five children in Pekayon village, Tangerang city, Indonesia: A participatory action research

The Indonesian Nutrition Status Study stated that cases of underweight or malnutrition with a weight for age index are around 17%. The efforts made by the government today to overcome the problem of malnutrition of children under five in Indonesia are still not optimal with programs that have been made by the government. The incidence of underweight continues to increase from 2019 to 2022 in Indonesia. The development of a culture-based intervention 'Papadangan' which is a communal eating activity was carried out to reduce this number. This study was conducted to develop the 'Papadangan' culture so that it becomes one of the efforts that can be done by the government. This eating habit can be used as an alternative for the community to increase the appetite of children under five in Tangerang, meaning that indirectly the community has made efforts to improve nutrition in children under five through eating together in the area. This research used Participatory Action Research (PAR) which consists of 2 cycles. This research was conducted from November 2022 to January 2024. Fifty participants consisting of children and caregivers were involved in this study. The Children under five weights were measured before and after the procedure using assessment instruments, the z score table, the camstock feeding scale and the toddler anthropometric table. In-depth interviews were conducted with mothers of children under five to explore the eating habits of Sundanese children under five with underweight and good nutritional status. 'Papadangan' can be developed into a strategy to prevent underweight nutrition problems by adding nutrition and health education: paying attention to the feeding schedule of children under five years old, variations in food consumption, education related to elements of balanced nutrition, and eating hygiene in the implementation of papadangan eating culture activities. 'Papadangan' can be used as one of the strategies to reduce the incidence of underweight in children under five years old. Developing the papadangan eating culture has become a new research, and this strategy is effective in changing the eating patterns of toddlers and reducing the rate of malnutrition among toddlers in Pekayon village, Sukadiri District, Tangerang City. Key words: Eating culture, children under five years old, malnutrition, qualitative, Indonesia

Contribution of malnutrition to infant and child deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia

IntroductionMalnutrition contributes to 45% of all childhood deaths globally, but these modelled estimates lack direct measurements in countries with high malnutrition and under-5 mortality rates. We investigated malnutrition’s role in...

Malnutrition and associated risk factors in orphanages in Punjab, Pakistan: an analytical study

BackgroundChildren living in orphanages face an increased susceptibility to malnutrition due to inadequate nutrition and psychological factors, in comparison to children who stay with their parents. A considerable proportion of...

Scoping Review Peran Konteks Sosial dalam Pemberian ASI Ekslusif

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life has been proven to provide significant benefits, both in terms of health and developmental outcomes. However, in many countries, including Indonesia, the coverage of exclusive breastfeeding remains very low, contributing to high rates of malnutrition, including stunting. This scoping review was conducted to identify and analyze the social factors influencing the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, with the aim of informing more effective intervention strategies. The study employed a scoping review methodology, involving a comprehensive literature search across three major databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, covering publications from 2014 to 2024. Of the 401 articles identified, 7 were selected for analysis following a rigorous selection process. The review findings indicate that support from husbands, extended family, and the broader social environment are key factors in the success of exclusive breastfeeding. Identified barriers include a lack of family support, the influence of local cultural beliefs, misinformation about breastfeeding, and misconceptions regarding infant needs. These factors significantly affect mothers' decisions to practice exclusive breastfeeding. Furthermore, the role of healthcare professionals in providing accurate education to mothers and families is crucial in improving exclusive breastfeeding rates. In conclusion, to enhance the success of exclusive breastfeeding, a comprehensive approach involving the entire family and considering local cultural contexts is required. Policy support, intensive educational campaigns, and improved access to lactation counseling services should be prioritized to achieve higher exclusive breastfeeding rates in Indonesia.

Incidence Rate and Risk Factors of Malnutrition in Criticall Ill Patients

Incidence Rate and Risk Factors of Malnutrition in Criticall Ill Patients

Pengaruh Pengetahuan Gizi Ibu dan Asupan Balita terhadap Status Gizi Balita di Desa Ranto Panyang

This study investigates the relationship between mothers' nutritional knowledge, dietary intake of children, and under-five nutritional status in Ranto Panyang, Meureubo Sub-district, West Aceh. Despite varied economic conditions, malnutrition persists, highlighting the critical role of maternal knowledge in determining children's nutrition outcomes. Employing a cross-sectional quantitative design, this study surveyed mothers in 2023 to assess their understanding of nutrition and its effects on child health. Findings reveal that 52.4% of mothers possess adequate nutritional knowledge, while 47.6% demonstrate limited awareness. A statistically significant association (p<0.05) was identified between maternal knowledge and the nutritional status of under-fives, suggesting that improved maternal education could positively impact child nutrition. These results underscore the necessity of targeted educational initiatives, particularly in regions with high malnutrition rates, to empower mothers with essential nutrition knowledge and foster healthier communities.

Burden of acute malnutrition in the conflict-affected urban communities of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMalnutrition impedes the growth, development, and survival of children. Conflict has severely affected the livelihoods of families and caused an alarming increase in food insecurity, population displacements, and extreme poverty in Tigray. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with acute malnutrition among 6- to 23-month-old children in the armed conflict-affected urban areas of Tigray.MethodsThe study population were randomly selected children aged 6 to 23 months. A cross-sectional study design was used. Data was collected from July 13 to 28, 2022 in Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the participants. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, and clinical variables were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 and presented using descriptive and analytical statistics. Binary logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of acute malnutrition. All variables were declared statistically significant at a p-value of < 0.05.ResultsA total of 368 participants aged 6–23 months were included in the study. Half (50.5%) and around three-fourths (72.6%) of the participants were females and 12 to 23 months old children, respectively, with a mean (SD) age of 15.2 (5.1) months. The overall proxy global acute malnutrition rate was 44.3%, with 34.5% and 9.8% being moderate acute malnutrition and severe acute malnutrition, respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression model, three variables (consumption of legumes, maternal nutritional status, and household access to clean water) were identified as significant predictors of proxy global acute malnutrition. Children who didn’t eat legumes (AOR (95%CI): 2.39 (1.44, 3.97)), children of acutely malnourished mothers (AOR (95%CI): 1.60 (1.02, 2.51)), and children from households with insufficient water supply (AOR (95%CI): 1.99 (1.20, 3.31)) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of acute malnutrition as compared with their counterparts.ConclusionsChildren from the armed conflict areas of Tigray are disproportionally impacted by acute malnutrition. Nearly half of the children were acutely malnourished, with one in ten suffering from the more serious severe acute malnutrition. Hence, urgent action is needed to prevent their permanent mental and physical deterioration and death by improving consumption of high protein foods, nutritional status of mothers, and access to clean water.

Impact of the School Food Environment on Dietary Choices and Body Mass Index Among Adolescents: A Case Study of Secondary Schools in Suakoko District, Bong County, Liberia

Adolescence is a critical period for developing lifelong dietary habits, and the school food environment plays a significant role in shaping these behaviors. With increasing rates of obesity and malnutrition among adolescents, understanding the influence of the school food environment is crucial, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where traditional diets are transitioning towards more processed, calorie-dense foods. This study aimed to assess the impact of the school food environment on dietary choices and body mass index (BMI) among adolescents in Suakoko District, Bong County, Liberia. A cross-sectional design was employed involving 275 students from 23 randomly selected public and private secondary schools. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, direct observations of the school food environment, and anthropometric measurements. Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests, was conducted to explore the relationships between school food environment, dietary choices, physical activity, and BMI. The results revealed that 64% of the students did not frequently choose fruits and vegetables, with food choices primarily influenced by availability and taste. A significant relationship was found between physical activity and nutritional status (p = 0.017), with regular physical activity being linked to a healthier BMI. However, no significant associations were found between school promotion of healthy eating, nutrition education, or the presence of school gardens, and students’ BMI. In conclusion, although schools play a vital role in shaping dietary habits, this study emphasizes the need for more effective interventions to improve access to nutritious foods and promote physical activity. Addressing the gaps in school infrastructure and enhancing nutrition education could contribute to better health outcomes for adolescents in Liberia.

THE ROLE OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN THE PERSISTENCE OF MEASLES IMMUNITY AMONG CHILDREN: A MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; The persistence of measles immunity in children is influenced by multiple factors, including nutritional status. This study aimed to assess the role of body mass index (BMI) as a proxy for nutritional status in the persistence of measles immunity, alongside other socio-demographic factors, in a pediatric population. &lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted on 200 children (2-15 years) attending the University Teaching Children's Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Immunity retention was measured through IgG serology. BMI represented nutritional status, and the analysis adjusted for key variables such as HIV status, breastfeeding history, sex, and education level. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the association between nutritional status and immunity persistence. &lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Children categorized as well-nourished had significantly lower odds of waning immunity (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.16–0.83, p = 0.016). However, for children with over or under malnutrition, the association was not statistically significant (OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.03–1.62, p = 0.140). Additionally, HIV-positive status was associated with decreased immunity retention (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.14–0.56, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Breastfeeding was positively associated with immunity persistence (OR = 3.34, 95% CI = 1.53–7.29, p = 0.003), while other socio-demographic factors such as sex and education level showed no significant effect. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; Nutritional status, as measured by BMI, plays a significant role in the persistence of measles immunity among children, with over- and under-nourished children being associated with lower immunity retention. These findings suggest that nutritional interventions may be necessary to improve vaccine efficacy, particularly in populations with high rates of malnutrition or obesity. The results also highlight the need for further investigation into the mechanisms linking nutritional status to immune response and the development of targeted public health strategies to optimize measles immunization outcomes in children.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0722/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Nutrition and diet in children with orofacial clefts in Africa: a scoping review

Background and aimThe burden of orofacial clefts (OFCs) has declined globally except in sub-Saharan Africa, with a great disease burden in North Africa. Children with OFCs have a high risk of malnutrition, and African countries have some of the highest malnutrition rates. This scoping review assessed the status of research on OFCs and nutrition and feeding among children living in African countries.MethodsWe followed the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for conducting scoping reviews. We searched eleven databases for articles on malnutrition and feeding among children with OFCs living in African countries. No restriction was done by type of study or publication date. Books, book chapters, and reviews were excluded. Only publications in English language were included. We extracted information about the publication year, study design, setting, location, participants’ age, data collection methods, international collaboration, and funding. We classified articles into studies assessing (1) the impact of nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy on OFCs, (2) the impact of OFCs on malnutrition, (3) feeding problems in children with OFCs, and (4) the impact of nutritional status on OFCs repair outcomes. We calculated frequencies and used bar charts and a map.ResultsOut of 208 search results, 36 were duplicates, and 25 eventually fit the inclusion criteria, with 52% retrieved from Google Scholar. About 80% of the studies were from four countries: Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Uganda; 72% were hospital-based and 52% were cross-sectional. The most frequent data collection method was clinical examination and questionnaires. Most studies focused on feeding problems in children with OFCs (44%) and the impact of OFCs on malnutrition (32%). International collaboration was observed in six studies, with one study showing South-South collaboration. Only two studies were funded.ConclusionsThere is a predominance of under-funded descriptive research not indexed by international databases. Minimal research has been directed to population-level OFC preventive programs in primary healthcare settings and assessing interventions supporting children with OFCs. A research agenda is needed to prioritize research needs and secure funds to support South-South collaboration to address the nutrition and feeding-related problems associated with OFCs.

The dual burden of malnutrition and its associated factors among mother-child pairs at the household level in Ethiopia: An urgent public health issue demanding sector-wide collaboration.

The coexistence of under-nutrition and over-nutrition in developing countries like Ethiopia results in the "mother-child pair double burden of malnutrition," with children experiencing either stunting, wasting or underweight while mothers face overweight or obesity. This poses a major public health challenge, prompting global health organizations to prioritize the issue and urge governments to act quickly. Despite this, there is a lack of research in Ethiopia on the double burden of malnutrition among mother-child pairs at the household level and the factors that worsen it. To assess the magnitude of double burden of malnutrition and its associated factors among mother-child pair at household level in East Ethiopia, 2022. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in East Ethiopia from April 15 to June 11, 2022. Multi-stage sampling was used, and data were collected through structured interviews. Child nutrition indicators were processed using WHO Anthro software. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed, calculating both crude and adjusted odds ratios to assess associations. Variables with a P value <0.05 in multivariable analysis were deemed statistically significant. The study revealed that coexisting malnutrition rates for (OM/SC), (OM/WC), and (OM/UC) were 8.5%, 7.0%, and 7.9% respectively. The double burden of malnutrition among mother-child pairs was found to be 12.3% [95% CI: 10.7, 13.7]. Marital status (divorced) [AOR = 1.80; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.82], child birth order (fourth or above) [AOD = 1.88; 95% CI:1.08, 3.26], number of under-five children in the household (five or more under-five children) [AOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.04, 2.39], poor maternal and child dietary diversity score [AOR = 2.76; 95% CI: 1.71, 4.45] and [AOR = 8.66; 95% CI: 4.85, 15.44], respectively, household food security status (food insecurity) [AOR = 3.68; 95% CI: 2.36, 5.75], and maternal stature (short stature) [AOR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.65,3.45] were factors significantly associated with this burden. The study emphasized the double burden of malnutrition affecting both mothers and children, a major public health concern in the area. Early-life nutrition is vital in preventing childhood under nutrition and adult obesity, leading to this dual burden. Breaking the cycle of malnutrition across generations is crucial. Policy makers should prioritize improving child nutrition and maternal health, stressing early-life nutrition to address the mother-child double burden of malnutrition.

Malnutrition and its Risk Factors in Renal Patients on Dialysis

Patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) on hemodialysis (HD) should follow a strict diet during the inter-dialytic period(1). Compliance to treatment, including diet, is key for optimal disease management and health outcomes and to protect against malnutrition(2,3). The objective of this study was to assess renal nutrition-related knowledge, compliance with dietary guidelines, adherence to treatment and risk of malnutrition among patients with ESKD in Lebanon.A convenience sample of 119 patients with ESKD on HD was recruited from the dialysis units of the Lebanese American University Medical Center-Rizk Hospital (LAUMC-RH) and Hammoud Hospital University Medical Center (HHUMC) in Lebanon. Demographic characteristics, 24 hour-recall and a validated food frequency questionnaire(4) were collected from participants, while anthropometrics including weight status in the past 3 months, as well as biochemical data were collected from medical charts. Bioelectrical impedance tests were conducted on the patients, 30 mins after HD hemodialysis session, to assess body composition. Nutrition knowledge was assessed using a validated questionnaire(5), whereby “poor knowledge” corresponds to &lt;70% correct answers. Compliance to treatment (HD sessions, medications, fluids, and diet) was collected from participants using the End-Stage Renal Disease Adherence Questionnaire (ESRD-AQ)(6)) (Kim et al., 2010) and scored using the tool guide. Accordingly, adherence was classified as “poor” (scores &lt;500), “moderate” (scores: 500-799), or “good” (scores: 800-1000).100 of the 119 participants (85.5%) were found to have malnutrition according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria(7). Malnourished patients were mostly found with lower education (57%), poor nutrition knowledge (68%), poor to moderate overall compliance (82%), and with no adequate caloric intake (67%). Weight loss was the most common phenotypic criterion among malnourished patients, whereby 22% of malnourished patients had weight loss of &gt; 3Kg in the past 3 months. Malnourished patients with weight loss had a higher (p = 0.008) prevalence of poor overall compliance (36%), compared to those with mild or no weight loss (14%). Additionally, malnourished people with poor compliance tended to be younger (&lt;55 years of age) and with lower levels of income and education (p&lt;0.05).Malnutrition rates are alarmingly high among patients with ESKD in our sample and are linked with low nutrition knowledge and poor adherence to treatment, including dietary compliance. Future studies with a larger more representative cohort are required to confirm our results. Accordingly, intervention trials targeting knowledge and adherence among ESKD patients in Lebanon are warranted to prevent malnutrition and to achieve better clinical outcomes.

A retrospective cohort study on the association between nutritional status and prognosis in COVID-19 patients with severe and critical infection.

To evaluate the relationship between nutritional scoring systems, nutritional support methods, and the prognosis of severe and critically ill patients infected with the Omicron variant of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients with confirmed Omicron variant severe and critical COVID-19, who were admitted to Chongqing Medical University First Hospital between December 2022 and January 2023, were enrolled into this retrospective study. Clinical data of patients who survived for 28 days were compared with those who died during the same period. Nutritional status was assessed using the 2002 Nutrition Risk Screening (NRS) tool and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI). Factors influencing patient mortality were identified by multivariate logistic regression, and the relationship between patient nutrition and mortality as the disease progressed was illustrated using Kaplan-Meier curves. The study was registered on the ChiCTR platform (No. ChiCTR2300067595). A total of 508 patients were included (349 survivors and 159 non-survivors). Significant differences were found in sex, age, NRS score, PNI score, albumin level, lymphocyte count, chronic comorbidities, mechanical ventilation, neutrophil count, procalcitonin, and platelet count between survivors and non-survivors. Multivariate analysis revealed that high NRS score (OR 3.87, 95% CI, 1.97, 7.63), fourth-level nutritional support (combined enteral and parenteral nutrition; OR 7.89, 95% CI, 1.32, 47.28), chronic comorbidities (OR 4.03, 95% CI, 1.91, 8.51), and mechanical ventilation (OR 6.03, 95% CI, 3, 12.13) were risk factors for mortality (OR > 1). The malnutrition rate among patients with NRS ≥ 3 was 41.93%. The median (interquartile range) PNI score was 38.20 (35.65, 41.25) for survivors versus 32.65 (29.65, 36.58) for non-survivors. The mortality rate was higher in patients with high nutritional risk within 28 days of hospitalization. The descending order for mortality rate in patients receiving different nutritional support was: dual parenteral and enteral nutrition, no nutritional intervention, single enteral nutrition, and single parenteral nutrition. A high proportion of severe and critically ill patients with COVID-19 experience malnutrition, and various factors are associated with their prognosis. High nutritional risk is significantly related to patient mortality. Early assessment using NRS or PNI is crucial for these patients, and personalized interventions should be implemented to improve overall nutritional status, maintain organ function, and enhance the body's antiviral defence.

The impact of a pediatric malnutrition telehealth clinic on anthropometric measurements in children aged 6-59 months in rural Guatemala.

Guatemala, a country with high rates of pediatric malnutrition, has significant challenges including food and potable water insecurity and a lack of health care providers. This study examined the impact of telehealth clinic attendance on pediatric malnutrition scores. A sample of 42 Guatemalan children aged 6-59 months with malnutrition were recruited to participate in eight clinic events, including two in-person and six telehealth clinics. Six telehealth clinics were held at 4- to 6-week intervals, bookended by an initial and concluding in-person event. Nonparametric tests were used to analyze changes between baseline and last visit z-scores for height, weight for length, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and body mass index (BMI) and to examine the relationship between the number of telehealth visits and z-score measurements at baseline and last visit. The number of children with severe malnutrition at baseline by weight for length, BMI, and MUAC decreased by the last visit. A decrease occurred in the number of children with stunted height. Changes in z-scores for height, weight for length, BMI, and MUAC between study onset and last visit did not reach statistical significance. Statistically significant relationships existed between clinic attendance and baseline and last visit weight for height/length z-scores and baseline MUAC z-scores. Positive improvements in nutritional status occurred, especially among children with severe malnutrition. Children with severe malnutrition had significantly better telehealth attendance. Studies with larger sample sizes are needed. Study results indicate that telehealth may be a tool to battle global pediatric malnutrition.

The Relationship Between Knowledge Level and Attitudes of Mothers of Toddlers Towards Visits to Posyandu In Janti Village, Tarik District, Sidoarjo

One of the objectives of the Posyandu program is to reduce nutritional problems. The rate of malnutrition in Sidoarjo Regency is 3.8%, at the Tarik Health Center it is 0.13%, and in Janti Village, it reaches 5.13%. Malnutrition negatively impacts toddler growth. In 2023, the visit rate of toddlers to Posyandu in Janti Village was low, at only 32.1% of the total number of toddlers in the village, resulting in suboptimal monitoring of their growth. One factor influencing mothers' visits to Posyandu is their knowledge and attitude.This research is an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design, aiming to analyze the relationship between the knowledge and attitudes of mothers of toddlers towards visits to Posyandu in Janti Village, Tarik District, Sidoarjo. The population consisted of 224 mothers of toddlers, with a sample of 70 respondents selected randomly through random sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires on the knowledge and attitudes of mothers towards Posyandu, as well as attendance records at Posyandu, and analyzed using Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact tests.Most respondents were aged 25-34 years (72.9%), had completed high school education (50.5%), and were housewives (62.6%). They generally possessed good knowledge about Posyandu (68.6%) or adequate knowledge (31.4%). Regarding visitation, 64.3% were active and 35.7% were inactive. This suggests that positive knowledge and attitudes towards Posyandu significantly influence visitation rates, supported by statistically significant results with a p-value of 0.001 (≤ 0.05).There exists a relationship between the level of knowledge and attitudes of mothers towards visits to Posyandu.