Triceps Skinfold Research Articles

An assessment of the nutritional status of internally displaced school children in the West and Littoral Regions of Cameroon.

Malnutrition remains a major public health challenge among children in developing countries, especially those experiencing civil wars and political unrest. It is imperative to ascertain the level of malnutrition, particularly in displaced children, to develop and effectively implement interventions. This study was a cross-sectional survey conducted to assess the nutritional status of 657 internally displaced school-aged children (5-15 years) enrolled in primary schools in the West and Littoral Regions of Cameroon. The height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference of the children were measured using standard measurements. Clinical examinations were also made on the children. Other parameters that affect nutritional status, such as morbidity and health-seeking practices, were assessed using pre-tested, structured interviewer questionnaires. An analysis of the data revealed that stunting was the most prevalent form of malnutrition (27.1%), followed by wasting (23%), thinness (21.6%), and underweight (20.1%). About 44.5% of the children had low serum iron, and 35.7% of them had poor protein status. The prevalence of anemia was 30.0%. The most common signs of protein, vitamin A, and iron deficiencies observed were thin, dry, or sparse hair (5.2%), pallor (7.3%), and xerosis (3.3%), respectively. About 32% of the children had been sick within the previous month of the study, and the most common illness was the common cold (19.8%). Most of them (>60%) had good health-seeking practices. The high prevalence of stunting, wasting, thinness, underweight, anemia, protein, and iron deficiency calls for interventions such as nutrition education and supplementation to prevent malnutrition and diet-related diseases among children.

Preterm Birth and Its Associated Factors among Mothers Delivered at Lira Regional Referral Hospital in Lira District

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of preterm birth and its associated factors among mothers delivered at Lira Regional Referral Hospital in Lira District in 2022. A hospital-based cross-sectional study and non-probability systematic sampling technique were employed to assess the prevalence of preterm birth and its associated factors among mothers delivered at Lira Regional Referral Hospital between August 2022 and November 2022. The normative sample was N-325; however, only 278 were analysed. Preterm birth and its associated factors were measured using a face-to-face pre-test interview, and additional data was extracted from medical records, an antenatal care chart, and a baby chart. Data was collected, coded, sorted, and processed using manual compilation and analysed using SPSS Version 25. Results showed that the prevalence of preterm birth was at 14%, mid-upper arm circumference p>0.000, baby delivered p>0.002, birth weight p>0.000, antenatal care number of times attended p>0.001, urinary tract infection p>0.000, premature rupture of membrane p>0.000, antepartum haemorrhage p>0.000, and pregnancy-induced hypertension p>0.000 were significantly associated with preterm birth. Preterm birth was more likely to occur in mothers who didn’t attend ANC and was higher in mothers who got PROM, UTI, APH, and PIH. Early detection of diseases, especially hypertension, hyperemesis gravidarum, and UTI, as well as improving health care quality delivery and carrying out community health education and awareness campaigns, can reduce the prevalence of preterm birth. Keywords: Preterm birth, Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Mothers, Antenatal care, Hypertension.

Effectiveness of a nonweight-based daily dosage of ready-to-use therapeutic food in children suffering from uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition: A nonrandomized, noninferiority analysis of programme data in Afghanistan.

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a major global public health problem. SAM cases are treated using ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) at a dosage of ∼200 kcal/kg/day per the standard treatmentprotocol (STD). Emerging evidence on simplifications to the standard protocol, which among other adaptations, includes reducing the daily RUTF dosage, indicates that it is effective and safe for treating children with SAM. In response to a foreseen stock shortage of RUTF, the government of Afghanistan endorsed the temporary use of a modified treatment protocol in which the daily RUTF dosage was prescribed at 1000 kcal/day (irrespective of body weight) until the child achieved moderate acute malnutrition status (weight-for-heightz-score ≥ -3 or mid-upper arm circumference [MUAC] ≥ 115 mm), at which point 500 kcal/day was prescribed until cured (modified treatment protocol [MTP]). In this paper, we report the results of this nonweight-based daily RUTF dosage experience. Data of 2042 children with SAM, treated using either the STD protocol (n = 269) or the MTP protocol (n = 1773) from August 2019 to March 2021 in five provinces, were analyzed. The per-protocol analyses confirmed noninferiority of MTP protocol when compared to STD protocol for recovery rate [93.3% vs. 90.2%; ∆ (95% confidence interval,CI) = 3.1 (-0.9; 7.2) %] and length-of-stay [82.6 vs. 75.6 days; ∆ (95%CI) = 6.9 (3.3; 10.5) days], considering the margin of noninferiority of -10% and +14 days, respectively. Weight gain velocity was smaller in theMTP protocol group than in the STD protocol group [3.7 (1.7) vs. 5.2 (2.9) g/kg/day; ∆ (95%CI) = -1.5 (-1.8, -1.2); p < 0.001]. The STD group had a significantly higher mean than the MTP group for absolute MUACgain [∆ (95%CI) = 1.7 (1.0; 2.3) mm; p < 0.001] and the MUAC velocity [∆ (95%CI) = 0.29 (0.20; 0.37) mm/week; p < 0.001]. Our results confirm the noninferiority of a nonweight-based daily dosage and support the endorsement of this modification as an alternative to the standard protocol in resource-constrained contexts.

Nutritional Status of Children Under 5 Years Using Gomez's Classification

Objective: To assess the malnutrition status of the children &lt;5 years of age in the Uttarakhand region. Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional research study on 55 children aged &lt;5 years was conducted in the Hasanpur and Mandawar village. The data was collected by using tools like socio demographic profile, breast feeding practices and Anthropometric assessment like height, weight, BMI and MUAC) of the children. Gomez's Classification was centred on assessing wasting in children. Result: The result showed that out of 55 children 10.9% showed mild wasting, 43.63% moderate wasting and 40% showed severe wasting. The assessment of Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurements in children indicated that 8% displayed severe malnutrition, 27% exhibited moderate malnutrition, and 65% maintained a normal nutritional status. 43.63 % were moderately underweight and were severely underweight. Breastfeeding was received by 86.6% of the children. Conclusion: The study conclude that most of the children were malnourished.

Transferrin levels are associated with malnutrition markers in hemodialysis patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Introduction Malnutrition is a global phenomenon and may be contributing to the increasing size of the hemodialysis (HD) population in South Africa and is affecting morbidity and clinical outcomes. Our study assessed whether transferrin could be a possible marker for malnutrition in the HD population. Methods Clinical parameters (including skinfold thickness and mid-upper arm circumference [MUAC]) and laboratory markers (including transferrin and hemoglobin) were measured during a six-month period in a sample of 59 HD patients. Results Linear regression analysis showed that MUAC (p = 0.027) as well as skinfold thickness (p = 0.021) had a significant association with transferrin levels within the HD participants. There was no significant association between transferrin levels or MUAC with hemoglobin levels (p = 0.075). Furthermore, the study found that decreased transferrin levels (< 2.15 g/dL to 3.80 g/dL) were closely related to malnutrition in the malnutrition distribution groups within the study, with 97.7% of HD participants being classified in one of the malnutrition groups. Conclusion Thus, transferrin levels are a valuable marker for malnutrition within the HD patient population and can be included along with clinical assessment parameters such as MUAC and skinfold thickness as primary indicators for malnutrition.

Reference percentiles for mid-upper arm circumference, upper arm muscle and fat areas of Nigerian children and adolescent population aged 0 – 19 years

Reference percentiles for mid-upper arm circumference, upper arm muscle and fat areas of Nigerian children and adolescent population aged 0 – 19 years

Ergonomics assessment of drudgery in rice-wheat production system in India: a case study of women farmers

Farm women are often forced to work in extremely hazardous conditions due to their limited access to improved agricultural technologies. This circumstance makes agricultural work physically demanding, requiring significant physiological effort and the maintenance of good posture. It is also very exhausting, time-consuming, and stressful. The study was designed to evaluate and quantify the drudgery involved in the rice-wheat production system for rural women. Three replications of a 10-min work cycle without a break were used to assess the physiological and postural demands of various farm tasks on the female workers. Observations were recorded on farm women workers who were in normal health, without any major illness, and regularly involved in farm operations. In the attempt to obtain and analyze the prioritized drudgery experiences in crop production activities through drudgery assessment and reduction, various ergonomically sound farm tools and implements were provided for crop cultivation and intercultural operations. Data indicating musculoskeletal disorders were analyzed by ergonomics assessment of postural and biomechanical assessments using the Human Physical Drudgery Index (HPDI), resulting in the maximum drudgery reflecting very high risk in transplanting (48.4%), followed by threshing (47.2%), load carrying (46.00%), and harvesting (45.14%). For physiological ergonomics quantifications, the most drudgery-prone activities in the rice-wheat production system, i.e., transplanting, harvesting, threshing &amp;amp; post-harvest, and load carrying, were evaluated, and it was found that drudgery is caused by different activities with reflects working energy expenditure rate ranging from ~7.00 to 12.00 (kJ/min) and total cardiac cost of work (TCCW) ~ 331.00 to 524.00. Multivariate regression analysis was employed to drive relationships between energy expenditure rate (dependent variable) and other independent variables, such as age, body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), calf circumference (CC), skinfold measurements, body density (D), % body fat, fat mass, and fat-free mass (kg). It was found that energy expenditure rate during various crop production practices is positively correlated with independent variables (R = 0.721, R2 = 0.520, Adjusted R2 = 0.518, Standard Error of Estimate = 0.0324, Durbin-Watson = 1.531). It was found that with higher physiological parameters, the corresponding energy expenditure is maximized relating to the drudgery in respective agricultural activities. The present study addressed the magnitude of drudgery for women farmers in the rice-wheat production system and its mitigation strategy.

Seasonal variability in body mass index, waist circumference, and skinfolds in Norwegian children.

Studies have shown that children develop a higher body weight during summer months. This has been demonstrated repeatedly using the body mass index (BMI), but the effect of season on other weight-related anthropometric measurements is still unclear. Measurements of height, weight, waist circumference (WC), triceps, and subscapular skinfolds (TSF and SSF), collected from September till May in a cross-sectional sample of 4-16-year-old children and adolescents (n = 4525) from the Bergen Growth Study 1 (BGS1). Differences in z-score by season were tested with linear models adjusted for age group and separately for sex. Overall differences were tested with a one-way between-group analysis of variance. The girls had higher BMIz (+0.12, p = .03) and WCz (+0.18, p = .002) in fall compared with spring. TSFz (-0.19, p < .001) and SSFz (-0.18, p < .001) were lower in winter in girls, and in boys both in fall (TSFz -0.10, p = .046; SSFz - 0.16, p < .001), and winter (TSFz -0.15, p = .004; SSFz -0.14, p = .003), when compared with spring. Seasonal variation was detected for all anthropometric measures, but differences in the direction of the effect between measures of global (BMI), central (WC) or subcutaneous (SF) adiposity suggest a more complex mechanism that needs further exploration.

Reflections of well-being: navigating body image, chronic energy deficiency, and nutritional intake among urban and rural adolescents.

Adolescent growth and development is a period of very specific nutritional problems. As a result of poor growth and development, 36.3% of adolescents in Indonesia are at risk of developing CED. The purpose of this study was to determine the description of body image, the incidence of Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED), and nutritional intake in adolescents in urban and rural areas. This study used a descriptive quantitative design with a cross-sectional study conducted in Bandung and Sumedang on 387 adolescents aged 13-15 years. The instruments used in this study were body image questionnaire Figure Rating Scale (FRS) method, 2 × 24-h food recall, and anthropometry for Measuring mid upper arm circumference (MUAC). Results of this study showed that more than half of adolescents in urban (54.0%) and rural areas (61.7%) were at risk of CED, had negative body image perceptions in urban (69.1%) and rural areas (62.3%), and underconsumption of macronutrients in both urban and rural adolescents. Most adolescents in urban and rural areas still consume less energy, carbohydrates, and protein. Perceived body image and nutrient intake contribute to the incidence of CED in adolescents.

Disparities with global standards about growth references of mid-upper arm circumference-for-age for Pakistani children aged 6-60 months.

Growth reference values about mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) are vital for assessing children's nutritional status. However, Pakistan lacks these reference values and growth charts. This study aims to develop these for children aged 6-60 months and compare them with global standards. The data were acquired from the 2018 National Nutrition Survey of Pakistan, which was conducted by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) during 2018-2019. The final study cohort comprised 57 285 children, with 51% being boys. Percentile values and charts for MUAC-for-age were developed using generalised additive models for location, scale and shape with the Box-Cox power exponential distribution. The mean MUAC was 14.21 cm (±2.07 cm) and 14.13 cm (±2.12 cm) for the boys and girls, respectively. At 60 months of age, the P3 and P97 percentiles for girls were slightly higher than those for boys. The median percentiles of Pakistani children were smaller than the World Health Organisation 2007 standards and with international references. We observed disparities in MUAC-for-age growth references among Pakistani children compared to global standards, highlighting regional, age and gender variations. This underscores the need for developing countries like Pakistan to establish their growth references.

One size does not fit all: universal cuff overestimates oscillometric blood pressure in persons with large arm circumference

Objective Some brachial cuffs for oscillometric blood pressure (BP) measurement are claimed to cover a wide range of upper-arm circumferences; however, their validation is rarely conducted. Our aim was to compare oscillometric BP measurements obtained with a universal cuff with those obtained with an appropriately sized cuff. Methods We utilised the Microlife B6 Connect monitor, conducting oscillometric BP measurements in a random sequence with both a universal cuff (recommended for arm circumferences from 22 to 42 cm) and an appropriately sized cuff (medium for circumference 22–32 cm and large for 32–42 cm). We included 91 individuals with an arm circumference of 22–32 cm and 64 individuals with an arm circumference of 32–42 cm. Results For arm circumferences > 32 cm, systolic and diastolic BP measured with the universal cuff was higher than that measured with the large cuff (systolic 6.4 mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI]). 3.9–8.8, diastolic 2.4 mmHg, 95%CI, 1.2–3.7, p < 0.001 for both). Overestimation of BP with the universal cuff was statistically significant after correcting for the sequence of measurements. No statistical difference was found between the universal cuff and medium cuff for circumferences in the 22–32 cm range. The bladder size in the universal cuff matched the dimensions of the medium-sized cuff; however, the cuff was larger. Conclusion Overestimation of BP measured with a universal cuff in persons with large arm circumferences is clinically important. It poses the risk of unnecessary initiation or intensification of antihypertensive medication in persons using the universal cuff.

Association between Physical Activity and Health Outcomes (High Body Fatness, High Blood Pressure) in Namibian Adolescents and Adult women.

Regular physical activity (PA) is known to promote the physical and mental health of children and adolescents and further prevent the development of health problems in adulthood. Information on body composition and PA is crucial for health promotion strategies and for epidemiological studies informing policies. However, there is limited data on the association between body composition and PA in Namibia. This dearth of published data is a significant shortcoming in the development of strategies and policies to promote PA in Namibia. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the association between PA as a dependent variable and independent variables such as high blood pressure and body fatness as measured by different methods (gold standard deuterium dilution, body mass index, mid upper arm circumference, and waist circumference). The study included 206 healthy adolescent girls aged 13-19 years and 207 young adult females aged 20-40 years from Windhoek, Namibia. PA was measured using the PACE+ questionnaire in adolescents, and the GPAQ questionnaire was used for adults. In adolescents, only 33% of the participants met the recommended guidelines for PA, compared to only 2% for adults. Nevertheless, the study found no statistically significant association between PA and blood pressure indices (p-value < 0.05) among adolescents and adults. However, there was a significant association between PA and high body fatness (p-value < 0.001) and waist circumference (p-value = 0.014) in adolescents. Among adults, PA was significantly related to waist circumference only. In conclusion, failure to meet recommended PA guidelines is strongly associated with abdominal obesity and high body fatness. The knowledge gained from this study may be used by policymakers in the development of strategic policies and interventions aimed at promoting PA as a public priority and improving health outcomes.

Nutritional status of people who inject drugs in Coastal Kenya: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionDespite documentation on injection drug use (IDU) in Kenya, the nutritional status of people who inject drugs (PWIDs) is under-explored. Elsewhere studies report under-nutrition among PWIDs which is attributed to food insecurity; competing priorities between drugs and food supply; chaotic lifestyle; reduced food intake; substance use induced malnutrition due to inflammation and comorbidities.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study that sought to assess the nutritional status of PWIDs in Coastal Kenya. We recruited 752 participants of whom 371(49%) were on IDUs and 75 non-IDUs and 306 non-drug users using respondent driven sampling, traditional snowball, makeshift outreach and purposive sampling methods.ResultsMore than one half of the participants (56%) had BMI classified as normal while 35% had BMI < 18.5. The proportion with BMI < 18.5 was higher among IDUs (46%) compared to the non-IDUs (33%) and non-drug users (23%) at P < 0.001. Using the mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), 17% were classified as underweight and the proportion was lowest (11%) among non- drugs users compared to 22% among IDUs (P < 0.001). However, the IDUs had lower proportion of overweight (8.1%) compared to 55% among the non- drug users. The proportion with low waist-for-hip ratio was highest among the IDUs (74%) while high waist-for-hip ratio was lowest in the same group of IDUs (11%) at P < 0.001. One half (50%), of the participants had no signs of anaemia, (47%) had mild/moderate anaemia while 21 (2.8%) had severe anaemia. However, IDUs were more likely to be overweight based on waist circumference as a parameter. The IDUs had the highest proportion (54%) of mild to moderate anaemia compared to non-IDUs (37%) and 40% non- drug users (P < 0.001). In the multivariable models, IDUs (aRRR 2.83 (95%CI 1.84‒4.35)) and non-IDUs (aRRR 1.42 (95%CI 1.07‒1.88)) compared to non- drug users were positively associated with BMI < 18.5. Being an IDU was positively associated with mild or moderate anaemia (aRRR 1.65 (95%CI 1.13‒2.41)) while non-IDUs were positively associated with severe anaemia (aRRR 1.69 (95%CI 1.16‒2.48)).ConclusionA significant proportion of the participants were under-nourished with those injecting drugs bearing the heaviest brunt. Being an IDU was positively associated with the low BMI, MUAC, waist for hip ratio and mild or moderate anaemia but high waist circumference. People who inject drugs have high risk for under-nutrition and should be targeted with appropriate interventions.

Measurement of Anthropometry of Community School Children Affected from Day Snacks

Purpose: To access the current snacking habits of community school children’s dietary habits and health status. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted in a Kathmandu community school to identify the problem of inadequate access to nutritious snacks, school choices, and regular monitoring and collaboration among the students. Used mixed methodologies, reviewed relevant day snack literatures, discussed with the school's early childhood department head, and measured height, weight, and MUAC to identify the nutrition status of children. Collected information was analysed using Ena (WHO software). Total Managl Secondary School, Kirtipur, Kathmandu participated in research n=26 (boys 16 and girls 10) and Mahendra Adarsha Secondary School, Mahalaxmi -4, Imadol, Lalitpur n=27 (boys 15 and girls 12) total numbers of participants 53 were. Findings/Results: There were (14) 63.6% boys and (8) 36.4% girls out which (2) 7.7% moderate and (1) 3.8% severe (1) 3.8% malnutrition in Mangal Secondary School where as (15) 55.6%boys and (12) 44.6% girls out of which (3) 11.1% moderate and equal (3) 11.1% severe malnutrition in Mahendra Adarsha Secondary School. There were severe wasting total (1) 4.5%, Moderate wasting (1) 4.5% and normal (20) 90.9% in Mangal Secondary School, Kirtipur -10, Kirtipur, Kathmandu whereas Moderate Wasting was (3) 11.1%, and normal (24) 88.9% were in Mahendra Adarsha Secondary School. At Mangal Secondary School, Kirtipur -10, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, the prevalence of stunting by age based on height-for-age Z-score showed severe stunting in children aged 42-53 months at 9.1%, moderate stunting at 13.6%, and normal height at 77.3%. Similarly, at Mahendra Adarsha Secondary School, Mahalaxmi -4, Imadol, Lalitpur, the total prevalence showed moderate stunting in children aged 42-53 months at 33.3% and normal height at 66.7%. Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) is used for emergency and screening purposes to assess the nutritional status of children. Originality/Value: This research provides insights for policy maker to guide for improvements on Day Snacks Program. Paper Type: Research Analysis

Impact of Immunonutrition on Nutritional Status in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

This study aimed to investigate the additional effects of perioperative immunonutrition (IMN) compared with preoperative immunonutrition (IMN) on anthropometric, nutritional, and biochemical parameters, hospital stay and postoperative complications in patients with colorectal cancer. Oral supplementation enriched with arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary nucleotides was given to 25 patients before and after the operation (Group 2); 25 patients received the same formula before surgery and standard isocaloric nutrition following the operation (Group 1). Postoperative body weight, body mass index (BMI), and middle upper arm circumference (MUAC) of Group 1 decreased more than Group 2 during follow-up (p < 0.05). The biochemical parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were higher, and albumin was lower than the baseline in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between CRP and Nutrition Risk Screening (NRS) 2002 scores, and prealbumin and NRS 2002 scores had a positive correlation (p = 0.007, r = 0.384; p = 0.012, r = 0.352). There was no difference in hospital stay and postoperative complications between the groups (p > 0.05). Perioperative immunonutrition, compared to preoperative immunonutrition, can be used as a positive and effective approach in improving some anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.

The Relationship between Nutritional Status and Menstrual Cycle among Medical Students at Ahmad Dahlan University

Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the functional layer of the endometrium in the uterus that occurs when ovulation is not followed by fertilization. Menstrual irregularities occur due to hormonal disturbances caused by stress, excessive exercise, medication use, approaching menopause, eating disorders, and nutritional status such as underweight and obesity. Nutrition refers to the nutrients present in food that are required by the body to obtain energy for daily activities. Nutritional problems arise from an imbalance between the nutrients consumed and those needed by the body. To examine the relationship between nutritional status and menstrual cycles in students of the Faculty of Medicine, Ahmad Dahlan University, a research study was conducted using an observational analytical method with a cross-sectional approach. The research sample consisted of 131 students. Statistical analysis using chi-square analysis showed a p-value of 0.001, which is smaller than ? = 0.05. From these results, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between body mass index and upper arm circumference with the menstrual cycles of students in the Faculty of Medicine, Ahmad Dahlan University, while there is no relationship between waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, subcutaneous fat, and menstrual cycles in students of the Faculty of Medicine, Ahmad Dahlan University.

A study on nutritional status of preschool children and knowledge with special references to breastfeeding practice in urban area

Background: The nutritional status of preschool children is a critical indicator of their overall health and development. Breastfeeding provides best start of life to babies as well as improves the health of mothers and babies. Objectives were to assess the nutritional status of preschool children and to Investigate the impact of breastfeeding practices on children’s nutritional outcomes and breastfeeding practices of their mothers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban slum area and involved a sample of preschool children aged 3 to 6 years. Complete enumeration of children of 3-6 years age group was done. Nutritional status was assessed through anthropometric measurements, including height, weight and mid upper arm circumference. Data on breastfeeding practices were collected through structured interviews. Data was analysed using MS excel and chi-square statistical tests was applied. Results: There were 334 study participants of which 7.5% had stunting and 62.87% were underweight. It was found that 18.56% had history of low birth weight. 90.12% were exclusively breastfed and breastfeeding was continued up to 2 years for 28.14% and more than 2 years for 71.86% children. It was also found that history of low birth weight of children is significantly associated with malnourishment (p≤0.05). Conclusions: The study revealed that a substantial proportion of preschool children in the urban area were experiencing malnutrition. The breastfeeding practices were fair among the mothers of the children. Targeted education and awareness programs to enhance the nutrition can improve the overall health of preschool children in the urban setting.

Early screening factors associated with stunting risk in prospective brides

Stunting is a major nutritional problem that has not been resolved. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, the prevalence of stunting was 22.3%, or around 148.1 million. Stunting is influenced by maternal health in pregnancy, infants under five, and maternal health in the preconception period. This research aims to determine the early detection of stunting risk in brides. This study is a literature review using PubMed and the Google database to identify articles published in 2015–2023. The main objective of this study was to determine the risk factors for stunting in the preconception period. Although many studies discuss stunting, most tend to discuss the causes of stunting in the prenatal and infant-toddler phases. In addition, the preconception period has a major contribution to pregnancy, which will affect the health of the fetus in the womb. If not addressed, it will cause trans-generational problems. Prevention of stunting is more effective than treatment of stunting. Stunting can be prevented since the preconception period, especially in prospective brides, by detecting early screening for stunting risk. Early screening for stunting can be done by identifying factors that are at risk of stunting, including age, BMI, anemia, mid-upper arm circumference, and smoking behavior.

A study on hand grip strength and its association with body mass index, hand length and mid-upper arm circumference among Eastern Indian medical students using a hand-held dynamometer

A study on hand grip strength and its association with body mass index, hand length and mid-upper arm circumference among Eastern Indian medical students using a hand-held dynamometer

Short-term chemotherapy-related complications and undernutrition in children diagnosed with cancer at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana: A prospective cohort study.

Undernutrition in children with cancer is associated with complications during cancer therapy. The study objective was to determine the association between specific anthropometric parameters and short-term chemotherapy-related complications and mortality. This was a hospital-based, prospective cohort study of children, age ≤12 years, with a new cancer diagnosis at the Paediatric Oncology Unit, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Socio-demographic information, cancer characteristics and anthropometric measurements were obtained at enrolment. Participants were followed up for twelve weeks from commencement of chemotherapy and selected treatment-related complications such as anaemia and thrombocytopenia requiring transfusions, prolonged neutropenia resulting in treatment delays, febrile neutropenia, mucositis and death were recorded. A total of 133 participants were recruited with a median age of 4.5 years. Eighty-one (60.9%) were diagnosed with solid tumours, 31 (23.3%) had leukaemias and 21 (15.8%) had lymphomas. Of the anthropometric parameters assessed, only arm anthropometry using upper arm muscle area (UAMA) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were associated with complications. Participants with wasting were more likely to develop anaemia and mucositis. However, the incidence of prolonged neutropenia was significantly higher among participants with average UAMA (p = 0.043) and low average UAMA (p = 0.049) compared to those with low UAMA. Risk of neutropenia was also significantly less among those with wasting by MUAC compared to those well-nourished (p = 0.045). Twenty-three participants (17.3%) died with a greater proportion (11/44; 25%) occurring in those who were wasted using MUAC. These findings underscore the need for nutritional surveillance at diagnosis and during chemotherapy, particularly where co-morbid disease is prevalent.