Maternal Nutritional Status Research Articles

Food Insecurity and Coping Mechanisms: Impact on Maternal Mental Health and Child Malnutrition.

Household food insecurity (HFI) is a serious public health concern in Lebanon. Adverse mental health issues have been reported among food insecure households in addition to physical and nutritional complications. Caregivers in food insecure families tend to adopt different coping mechanisms to mitigate the effects of food insecurity (FI) on their children. This cross-sectional observational study aimed to explore the relationship between FI, maternal depression, child malnutrition, and differential coping mechanisms adopted by mothers. A total of 219 women were enrolled in this study; FI was assessed using the household food insecurity assessment (HFIAS), maternal depression using the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), and their children's nutritional status through recall of anthropometric measurements. Pearson's correlations and logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the associations between HFI, maternal depression, and children's nutritional status. A strong positive correlation between HFI and maternal depression (p = 0.001) and children's nutritional status (p = 0.008) was shown. Logistic regressions revealed that being food secure decreased the risk of maternal depression (OR = 0.328, 95% CI 0.125-0.863, p = 0.024), while it did not predict children's nutritional status. Eight main themes related to coping mechanisms were identified. This study highlights the understudied relationship between food insecurity and maternal depression, showing an increased prevalence of HFI among residents in Lebanon with a positive correlation with increased maternal depression. Further investigation is warranted to better explore how to mitigate the negative impact of food insecurity on mental health, maternal nutritional needs, and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices in Lebanon.

The relationship between maternal age, obesity and child mortality: a cross-sectional study using 2013-2014 Demographic and Health Survey in Democratic Republic of the Congo at national, and sub-national levels.

To investigate the relationship between maternal age and nutritional status, and test associations between maternal nutritional status and child mortality with a focus on maternal obesity. Secondary analysis of data from nationally representative cross-sectional sample of women of reproductive ages (15-49 years) and their children under 5 years. The outcome variable for maternal nutritional status was BMI, classified into underweight (BMI < 18·50 kg/m2), normal weight (18·50-24·99 kg/m2), overweight (25·0-29·9 kg/m2) and obesity (>=30·0 kg/m2). Child mortality was captured with five binary variables measuring the risk of dying in specific age intervals (neonatal, post-neonatal, infant, childhood and under-five mortality). The most recent Demographic and Health Surveys from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The final samples consisted of 7892 women of reproductive ages (15-49 years) and 19 003 children aged 0-59 months. The prevalence of obesity was estimated at 3·4 %; it increased with maternal age. Furthermore, obesity unevenly affected provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Kinshasa, South Kivu, North Kivu and Maniema were most affected. Finally, maternal obesity showed mixed effects on child mortality. The prevalence of obesity is still low; however, provinces are unevenly affected. Therefore, interventions and programmes to improve nutrition should incorporate geographical disparities to tackle adverse child outcomes associated with maternal obesity, to limit negative consequences of maternal obesity, including non-communicable diseases which might be a strong impediment to reach Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 and 3.

Maternal Employment and Nutritional Status of Children (6 to 59 Months)

Maternal Employment and Nutritional Status of Children (6 to 59 Months)

Effects of in ovo feeding of vitamin C on embryonic development, hatching process, and chick rectal temperature of broiler embryos.

Maternal nutritional status plays a crucial role in embryonic development and has persistent effects on postnatal chicks. Vitamin C (VC) plays an important role in embryonic and postnatal development involved in nutri-epigenetics. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of in ovo feeding (IOF) of VC on embryonic development, egg hatching time, and chick rectal temperature. Trial 1 was conducted under normal incubation conditions without the IOF procedure and was designed to analyze the characteristics of embryonic development and establish the scoring standards for yolk absorption and the rupture of the shell membrane. The results showed that the relative weight of the embryo and residual yolk and the organ indexes were reliable indicators of embryonic development. Yolk absorption was scored 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, with a higher score indicating more complete absorption. In addition, the rupture of the shell membrane was divided into two cases: YES and NO. Trial 2 included three groups, control (CON), normal saline (NS), and vitamin C (VC), and was designed to detect the effects of IOF of VC on the indicators in trial 1, as well as the plasma biochemical indicators. At embryonic age 11 (E11), each egg in the CON group was non-injected, each egg in the NS group was injected with 0.1 mL of sterile normal saline, and each egg in the VC group was injected with 0.1 mL of sterile normal saline containing 3 mg vitamin C. The whole day of E21 was evenly divided into three time periods: early (incubation hours 480-488), middle (incubation hours 488-496), and late (incubation hours 496-504). Among the CON, NS, and VC groups, the percentages of the early-hatched chicks (egg hatching time) were 29.31, 12.00, and 33.90%, respectively. The proportions of early and middle hatched chicks in these groups were 51.72, 42.00, and 38.27%, respectively. The rectal temperature of chicks was lower (p < 0.05) in the VC group than in the CON and NS groups. Compared to the NS group, the plasma biochemical indicators in the VC group showed significantly lower levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), GLB, total bilirubin (TBIL), TBA, uric acid (UA), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and corticosterone (CORT) (p < 0.05). Additionally, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) had an increasing trend (p = 0.059) in the VC group. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that VC accelerated the hatching process and reduced chicks' rectal temperature, which may be related to the improvement of liver function and changes in metabolism, as indicated by blood biochemical indicators.

Composition of linear and branched short-chain fatty acids in human milk and newborn feces: influence of perinatal and maternal factors.

This research aimed to analyze the percentage of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in human milk (HM) and newborn feces and to explore potential associations with factors such as maternal nutrition, age, biological sex, delivery mode, diet, and the type of HM. Gas chromatography was used to measure the percentage of SCFAs in colostrum (n = 23), transitional HM (n = 23), and mature HM (n = 92) and feces of newborn (n = 36) at day 30 postpartum. Anthropometry was also evaluated in the mother and the infant. The results showed that acetic acid was the most abundant in HM. The percentage of butyric acid and isovaleric acid was higher (p < 0.05) in the feces of newborns whose mothers were overweight/obese or were male, respectively, compared to newborns whose mothers were of normal weight or were female. The percentage of valeric acid was higher in the feces of newborns whose mothers were over 30 years old and who were delivered by C-section, compared to newborns whose mothers were 30 years old or younger and who were delivered vaginally. Inadequate intake of proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber was associated (p < 0.05) with lower acetic acid and higher butyric acid, higher propionic acid and lower butyric acid, and higher isovaleric acid percentage, respectively, in mature HM. The percentage of acetic acid was higher (p < 0.01) and that of propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, and isovaleric acid was lower (p < 0.01) in colostrum compared to mature HM. The intake of lipids was associated with the percentage of butyric acid (β = -0.32, p = 0.01), and the percentage of propionic acid (β = 0.43, p < 0.01) was associated with carbohydrate intake. Overall, this study concluded that factors such as maternal nutritional status, diet, age, biological sex, and delivery mode were related to the composition of specific SCFAs in mature HM and newborn feces. Additionally, the percentage of SCFAs gradually decreased from colostrum to mature HM.

HUBUNGAN PENDIDIKAN DENGAN STATUS GIZI IBU SELAMA HAMIL DI PUSKESMAS MUSUK I

The background of this study is the nutritional status of mothers during pregnancy which can be influenced by several factors. The nutrition of pregnant women is one of the focuses of community nutrition improvement activities because of its significant impact on the condition of the fetus they are carrying. Nutritional problems that are often encountered in pregnant women are chronic energy deficiency (CED). The average level of education of the Indonesian population, especially women, is still low, this has an impact on health, encouraging infectious diseases and malnutrition. The 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) showed that the prevalence of CED risk in pregnant women (15-49 years) was still quite high, namely 17.3%. The percentage of pregnant women with CED is expected to decrease by 1.5% each year. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between education and maternal nutritional status during pregnancy at the Musuk I Health Center. The design of this study used a quantitative descriptive research type using a retrospective approach, the population technique used simple random sampling in the chi-square method, the population was 430 people who came from January to December 2023, using the slovin formula, a sample of 81 respondents was found. Research Results There is a significant relationship between maternal education and maternal nutritional status during pregnancy at the Musuk I Health Center. The results of the chi-square test obtained a value of ρ value = 0.046 &lt;ɑ = 0.05, which means that there is a relationship between maternal education and maternal nutritional status during pregnancy at the Musuk I Health Center.

The Fat Level in the Breast Milk and Its Association with Dietary Intake and Body Mass Index of Breastfeeding Mothers in Central Ethiopia, 2017

Human milk is not static; it is an invariant fluid that fluctuates in micro and macronutrient composition during feeding. The fat in human milk contributes above half the energy the infant demands. Moreover, fat is one of the most essential nutrients for brain tissue development during infancy. However, the effect of maternal nutritional status, including dietary intake, on human milk fat levels is not well investigated, particularly in developing nations. This study aimed to assess the level of human milk fat and its association with dietary consumption and BMI of the lactating mother in Burayyu Town, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 206 lactating mothers with infants aged between 2-9 months in Burayu Town, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Data collection was completed from April 1-April 28, 2017, using the multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and standard measurement procedures, which included, among other things, nutritional status, BMI, and human milk, and repeated multiple pass 24-hour dietary recalls. The human milk sample was transported to the Holeta laboratory center by ice bag and stored at -20°C until Laboratory analysis. EPI data was applied for data entry, and 24-hour food recall was processed using Excel, Nutrition Survey, and IMAPP software. Then, it was exported to STATA version 14 for statistical analysis. A multivariable linear regression model was applied to determine the association between human milk fat level, dietary intake and BMI of lactating mothers by controlling other confounding factors. The mean (±SD) energy intake of lactating mothers was (1820.99 ± 399.98) Kcal, while the mean (±SD) of fat, protein, and carbohydrate intake of lactating mothers was found to be 43.49 ± 18.6 g/day, 89.95 ± 38 g/day and 275.58 ± 62.8 g/day respectively. The lactating mother's mean (±SD) human milk fat level was (3.03 ± 1.03) g/dl. This study did not find any significant association between human milk fat level with energy (β = 0.0002, 95% CI: -0.0004-0.0007), fat (β = -0.004, 95% CI: -0.018-0.009), protein (β = -0.0036, 95% CI: -0.011-0.0037), and carbohydrate intake (β = 0.003, 95% CI: -0.0003-0.006) respectively. Moreover, cesarean section delivery (β = -0.55825, 95% CI: -1.02954 - -0.08696) was inversely associated with human milk fat level. However, human milk fat level was positively associated with breastfeeding frequency (β = 0.074, 95% CI: 0.008-0.139), frequency of meat eating (β = 0.22123, 95% CI: 0.04681-0.39566), and early initiation of human milk (β = 0.19987, 95% CI: 0.03223-0.36751) respectively. Conclusion: Human milk fat content is pretty in the constant range (2-5 g/10 ml) and is not affected by maternal nutrition of energy intake, fat, carbohydrate, or BMI of the mother. It has a significantly positive association with the frequency of eating meat and feeding frequency. The mean human milk fat level is lower than that reported in other countries; however, it would fulfill most infant energy requirements.

Dietary Quality and Its Impact on Maternal Nutritional Status in Ondo State, Nigeria

Background: Malnutrition is one of the major problems that have bewildered human health in developing countries Objective: The study aimed to assess maternal diet quality and nutritional status of in Ondo state. Methods: This was a community based descriptive and cross-sectional study that consisted of 420 respondents (mothers). Respondents were drawn using multistage sampling procedure. Pre-test, semi-structured Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents while anthropometric indices such as height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference were measurement and Waist hip ratio, mid upper arm circumference were computed according to standard. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated from weight and height measurements and classified into underweight (&amp;lt;18.5), normal weight (18.5-24.9), overweight (25.0-29.9) and obesity (≥30.0). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics while level of significant was set P (&amp;lt;0.05). Results: The nutritional status of the women shows that there was a double burden of malnutrition indicating 10.7% under nutrition, 29.0% overweight and 4.8% obese. BMI was significantly associated with mothers’ age (p= 0.000), place of residence (p= 0.009), marital status (p= 0.017), mothers’ occupation (p= 0.026), occupation of spouse (p= 0.009), and monthly income (p = 0.008). Conclusion: There were existence of a double burden of malnutrition and high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the study area. Household food insecurity contributed greatly to the malnutrition observed in many mothers in the study. Nutrition and health promotion education intervention is recommended in the study area.

Analysis Of Factors Related to The Incidence of Stunting Toddlers in The Region Gambah Health Center

Stunting is a condition of growth failure that occurs in toddlers. The 2022 SSGI survey results show that stunting in Indonesia is at 21.6%. Data from the South Kalimantan Provincial Health Office in 2022 indicates a rate of 24.6%. Data from the HSS Health Office in 2022 shows a rate of 4.53%. Among the 21 Health Centers in the HSS area, the Gambah Health Center ranks first with the highest stunting rate at 11.60%. Stunting is not caused by a single factor but by multiple factors. The aim of this research is to analyze the factors associated with the incidence of stunting in toddlers. This research is a quantitative analysis using a case-control study method. The study employs chi-square tests and odds ratios. The sample consists of 120 toddlers, with 40 cases and 80 controls. The results of this study indicate that the factors associated with the incidence of stunting in toddlers are birth weight (p-value 0.022, OR 3.381), exclusive breastfeeding (p-value 0.000, OR 5.741), mother's education level (p-value 0.015, OR 5.444), history of pregnancy age (p-value 0.000, OR 9.736), and maternal nutritional status (p-value 0.006, OR 8.273). The conclusion of the research birth weight, exclusive breastfeeding, mother's education level, history of pregnancy age, and maternal nutritional status are factors that can cause the incidence of stunting in toddlers.

THE RELATIONSHIP OF MOTHER'S PARENTING PATTERNS WITH THENUTRITIONAL STATUS OF TODDLER AGES 24-60 MONTHS AT POSYANDU SEKUPANG, BATAM CITY, 2024

Based on the preliminary survey results conducted by the research at the Sekupang community health center, there were 87 patients with nutritional deficiencies in 2023. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between maternal parenting patterns and the occurrence of nutritional status at the Harapan Ibu integrated health service post in Sekupang in 2024. The independent variable in this study is maternal parenting style, while the dependent variable is nutritional status. The design used in this research is quantitative with a cross-sectional approach aimed at examining the relationship between the independent and dependent variables at the same time, and the sampling technique employed is total sampling. The population in this study consists of mothers with toddlers aged 24-60 months who are at the Harapan Ibu Posyandu in Sekupang, Batam City, totaling 45 mothers with toddlers, and the research was conducted in July 2024. Data collection tools using questionnaires on maternal parenting styles and nutritional status through anthropometric measurements. Analyze the data using the chi-square statistical test. The research results obtained 45 respondents, of which 5 (11.1%) experienced good maternal parenting, 7 (15.6%) experienced adequate parenting, and 33 (73.3%) experienced poor maternal parenting. Additionally, 32 respondents (71.1%) experienced malnutrition, 12 (26.7%) had good nutrition, and 1 (2.2%) experienced overnutrition. The research findings indicate a significant relationship between maternal parenting and the nutritional status of toddlers, with a p-value of 0.000 &lt; 0.005, thus the null hypothesis is rejected, meaning there is a relationship between maternal parenting and the nutritional status of children aged 24-60 months at the Harapan Ibu posyandu. It is recommended that research sites provide education to mothers about what maternal parenting patterns are and the nutritional status of toddlers.

The Association Between Maternal and Child Nutritional Status: Evidence From a Social Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal and child nutritional status, considering the importance of children’s nutrition at an early age. Material and Methods: Mother-child pairs who attended a social pediatrics outpatient clinic participated in the study. A survey form was used to collect data, including questions regarding general information, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and dietary records. The 24-hour dietary recall method was used as a dietary assessment method. Height and body weight were taken using measurement techniques by researchers. Data of pairs were collected from mothers, and they assisted in taking anthropometric measurements of the children. The recorded data were used to calculate the percentage of daily energy and nutrient requirements met by each participant. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to detect the coefficients of the relationship in SPSS statistic package program. Results: The study included 104 mother-child pairs. The mean age of the mother and children was 30.7±5.7 years and 41.7±17.3 months, respectively. While 13.5% of the mothers were obese, 16.3% of the children were obese. A significant relationship was found between mothers’ and children’s daily main and snack numbers. The percentage of meeting their energy and protein requirements did not vary according to breastfeeding and complementary feeding parameters. Statistical analysis results showed significant relationships between percentages of meeting their macro and micronutrient requirements of mother-child pairs, except for energy and magnesium. Conclusion: The study’s results indicate that there is a relationship between the nutritional status of mothers and their children. There is a need for further research investigating the nutritional status of both mothers and children and emphasizing the interdependency of nutrition within the family.

Prevalence and associated factors of low birth weight (LBW) in Mirwais Regional Hospital (MRH) Kandahar

Background: This study aims to describe the prevalence and associated factors of low birth weight (LBW) among neonates born in the maternity ward of Mirwais Regional Hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Methods: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1st, 2023, to December 31st, 2023. A total of 423 mothers who recently gave birth were included using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face maternal interviews and medical record reviews, focusing on socio-demographic, maternal, nutrition-related, and neonate-related factors. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS 16.0 to identify factors associated with LBW. Results: The mean age of the participants was 32 years, with most falling in the 21-30 age group. A significant majority of participants were from rural areas (74.5%) and belonged to the Pashtun ethnicity (84.6%). The prevalence of LBW among the neonates was 17.3%. Key factors associated with LBW included low maternal educational status, inadequate prenatal care, and poor nutritional status. Conclusion: The study identified a high prevalence of LBW in neonates born at Mirwais Regional Hospital. Maternal education, prenatal care, and nutritional status are significant predictors of LBW. Interventions focusing on improving maternal education, enhancing prenatal care, and ensuring adequate maternal nutrition are critical to reducing the incidence of LBW in this setting.

Impact of varied feeding protocols on gastrointestinal function recovery in the early postoperative period following repeat cesarean section: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundWith the adjustment of China’s birth policy, the repeat cesarean sections raises concerns about potential gastrointestinal mechanical injuries and disturbances in gastrointestinal neurohormonal regulation, affecting the postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function. These affect maternal nutritional status, prolong recovery, extend hospitalization, increase medical costs, and lead to neonatal care challenges.This study is to examine the effects of different postoperative feeding protocols on the restoration of gastrointestinal function in women undergoing repeat cesarean section.MethodsA total of 103 women were randomly assigned to three groups: experimental group A (n = 35), experimental group B (n = 34), and a control group (n = 34). In group A, women without choking symptoms received a clear fluid diet postoperatively, followed by a pureed diet after 6 h, and a regular soft diet after passing flatus. In group B, women chewed gum postoperatively, followed by a clear fluid diet after 2 h, a pureed diet after 6 h, and a regular soft diet after passing flatus. The control group received a clear fluid diet, a pureed diet after passing flatus, and a regular soft diet after defecation. Outcomes measured included recovery of gastrointestinal function, blood biochemical markers, comfort level, exclusive breastfeeding rate, and newborn weight loss.ResultsThe baseline maternal data across the three groups demonstrated no significant differences (P > 0.05). Both experimental groups A and B showed earlier recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function compared to the control group, though there was no significant difference between the two experimental groups (P > 0.05). Additionally, postoperative comfort levels were significantly higher in both experimental groups than in the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsEarly feeding is safe and effective for women who underwent repeat cesarean sections.It has been shown to accelerate gastrointestinal recovery, significantly improve maternal comfort and satisfaction.In cases where immediate postoperative oral intake is not feasible, chewing gum demonstrates a comparable promotive effect, providing a viable substitute in facilitating recovery.Trial registrationThis trial has been prospectively registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200065825) and the first registration date was 11/16/2022.

Maternal Perceptions and Feeding Practices Associated with Infant Nutritional Status.

Malnutrition in early childhood has long-term health consequences, including increased obesity risk due to catch-up growth in undernourished infants. While maternal perceptions and feeding practices affect infant malnutrition, limited evidence exists in middle-income countries like Mexico. This study examines the associations between maternal perceptions, feeding practices, and nutritional status in infants aged 6-12 months in northeastern Mexico. A total of 192 mother-infant dyads were assed using questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Maternal variables included perception of hunger and satiety, infant weight perception, feeding attitudes, self-efficacy, fatigue, and feeding practices. Infant nutritional status was determined using WHO Anthro, and multiple logistic regression identified associations between maternal and infant factors and nutritional status. 38% of infants were overweight/obese, and 7% were underweight. Low maternal self-efficacy, low perception of hunger and satiety signs, non-recommended feeding attitudes, and inaccurate perception of infant weight were identified. Maternal nocturnal sleep hours, type of feeding, and feeding frequency were associated to underweight. The maternal perception of infant weight was inaccurate for both underweight (mothers overestimate the weight) and overweight/obese (mothers underestimate the weight) infants. The main maternal perception influencing infant nutritional status was inaccurate weight perception. Mothers demonstrated limited knowledge and negative feeding practices with non-recommended feeding practices among Mexican mothers. Longer maternal sleep duration (> 8h/night) was associated with underweight infants.

Long term links between maternal diet during pregnancy and offspring health.

The developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis propose that lifelong health is programmed during foetal development, in utero. The world's population is ageing due to increased longevity but expanding morbidity and the associated burden on health systems around the planet, are associated with this. Consequently, resources are strained and spent largely on treating patients rather than preventing chronic diseases at their source. Research on early life exposures, starting in the womb, is needed to identify new potential biomarkers linked with the development of chronic diseases during adulthood. Evidence from maternal-offspring cohorts investigating associations between pregnancy exposures and childhood metabolic health is reviewed (The GUSTO study in Singapore, the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, a mother-child cohort in rural Gambia, the MINIMat study in Bangladesh, The Iodine Status in Pregnancy and Offspring Health Cohort in China, the OBESO cohort in Mexico, the Pune Nutrition study in India, The Reus-Tarragona Birth Cohort study in Spain). Collectively, evidence from prospective observational studies, randomised controlled trials and animal studies, supports the hypothesis that maternal diet, lifestyle and nutritional status during pregnancy are associated with childhood metabolic health in the offspring. However, the evidence is scant and further research is needed.

The Influence of Maternal Characteristics and Nutritional Status on Toddler Development: Literature Review

Introduction: The first five years of a child's life are a time of peak development. According to the global prevalence, 52.9 million children under the age of five suffer from developmental problems. Parental involvement in monitoring their children's development will rise if parents have greater education, have a high level of knowledge, higher socioeconomic level, income, and the mother does not work. In addition, toddlers with good nutritional status will optimise their development. Objective: This literature review aims to identify how maternal characteristics and nutritional status impact toddler development. Method: This study is a systematic review by searching the literature through Google Scholar, Science Direct, and PubMed. Articles in Indonesian and English published from 2016 to 2022. Article searches used keywords or Boolean operators (AND - OR), some of the keywords used to search the literature included combinations of “development” OR “education” OR “income”’ OR “knowledge” OR “occupation” OR “nutritional status”, “education” AND “development”, “income” AND “development”, “knowledege” AND “development”, “occupation” AND “development”, “nutritional sataus” AND “development”. Result: The results of this study showed that maternal characteristics such as education level, knowledge, occupation, and family income, as well as nutritional status affect the development of toddlers. Conclusion: Knowing the interaction between maternal role and nutritional status can help optimise the development of toddlers according to their age.

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.

Pengaruh Usia Penyapihan dan Pengetahuan Ibu terhadap Status Gizi Anak di Puskesmas Johan Pahlawan

Nutritional issues in children aged 0-59 months are critical, as this age group is particularly vulnerable to dietary changes affecting nutritional status. Weaning, defined as the transition from breastfeeding to solid foods, and maternal knowledge are considered key factors influencing child nutrition. This study aims to examine the impact of weaning age and maternal knowledge on the nutritional status of children aged 0-59 months in the Johan Pahlawan Public Health Center area. A cross-sectional design with simple random sampling was used, involving 95 respondents. Data collection included questionnaires and nutritional status measurements. Chi-Square analysis revealed a significant relationship between maternal knowledge and child nutritional status (p=0.009), while no significant relationship was found between weaning age and nutritional status (p=0.126). These findings suggest that enhanced maternal knowledge plays a crucial role in improving child nutritional outcomes, whereas weaning age does not have a significant effect.

Double Burden of Malnutrition Among Pregnant Women in Rural Jharkhand: Evidence From a Cross-Sectional Study.

The nutritional status of pregnant women is a very important aspect of maternal and antenatal care, as malnutrition is detrimental to both the mother and the foetus. This study tries to assess the scale of the double burden of malnutrition in a rural setting in India. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 337 pregnant women to assess the nutritional status of pregnant women using Body Mass Indexand dietary intake. Overall, 21.4% of women were underweight, 14.8% were overweight, 0.9% were obese, and 62.9% of women were in the normal weight range based on Body Mass Index. Family type, dietary habits, and community practices were found to be significant determinants of nutritional status among pregnant women. Nearly a third of the pregnant women were found to be malnourished, indicating the significant impact of the double burden of malnutrition. Lifestyle changes such as dietary improvement need to be emphasised to enhance maternal nutritional status during antenatal care.

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

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