Nutritional Status Of Children Research Articles

Relationship Between Gross Motor Function and Nutritional Status of Children with Cerebral Palsy-A cross-sectional study in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh

Background: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is one of the most common causes of chronic disability in children. Childhood malnutrition is a major public health issue in low- and middle-income countries. The gross motor function of children with CP can easily be assessed by the tool Gross Motor Function Classification System- Expanded &Revised (GMFCS-E&R). This study aimed to determine the relationship between GMFCS and nutritional status in children with cerebral palsy. Method: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric Neurology, IPNA, BSMMU from October 2019 to August 2020. All the patients aged 2-12 years were diagnosed as CP by clinical criteria and classified by GMFCS. Nutritional status (weight for age, height for age, weight for height, BMI) is assessed and classified according to the World Health Organization growth charts. Then linear and multinomial logistic regression methods to determine the associations between GMFCS and nutritional status. The correlation between motor function and nutritional status was assessed. Results: Among the 50 children 68% were male and 32% were female. The mean age of the CP children was 4.90±3.05 years. Most patients (66.0%) came from poor families followed by 24% from the middle class. Functionally majority of patients were in GMFCS level IV (28.0% ) and level V (20.0%). Maximum patients in spastic quadriplegia 42%, spastic hemiplegia 16%. The level of GMFCS was associated with nutritional status, as determined by anthropometry. Moderate and severe underweight significantly related with GMFC level IV and V. Moderate and severe stunted was significantly related with IV and V GMFC level. Moderate wasted was significantly related to GMFC levels III and IV. Mild malnutrition was significantly with GMFC level II and III. Severe malnutrition is significantly related to GMFC level IV and V. Conclusion: This study showed majority of cerebral palsy cases had severe functional gross motor disability and also severe grade of malnutrition. A significant association between severe grade of malnutrition and severe grade of motor disability was found. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2024; 42: 342-349

Factors associated with caregivers’ food safety knowledge, behavior, perception of food safety control, and the nutrition status of under-5 children in Nigeria

BackgroundHousehold-level food safety practices may have a long-term outcome on the nutrition and health status of under-five children. This study explores the relationships between caregivers’ self-reported food safety knowledge, behavior, perception of food safety control, and their young child’s (< 5 years) nutrition status.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study design, 664 caregivers from five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ibadan, Nigeria were surveyed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire on their food safety knowledge, behavior and perceived food safety control. Anthropometric measurements of the household’s index child (aged 6–59 months) were also taken. Variables for food safety knowledge and behavior score were selected using principal component analyses. The nutritional status of the children (Z-scores for weight-for-height (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and weight-for-age (WHZ)) were calculated. Description statistics were run on all variables and logistic regression models examined associations between the three food safety constructs and the children’s nutritional status. Covariates such as LGAs, caregiver’s age, household size, wealth index, child’s gender, and age were adjusted.ResultsHigh-level of food safety knowledge, behavior and lots of perceived control on food safety issues were reported by 77.7%, 76.7%, and 81.1% of the caregivers. Using WAZ, HAZ and WHZ that are ≤ -2, acute malnutrition (6.0%), chronic malnutrition (42.5%), and underweight (22.0%), respectively were prevalent among the children. Perceived food safety control was the only food safety construct associated with acute malnutrition. Wealth index, caregivers’ age, number of under 5 at home, child age, and gender were associated with acute malnutrition. Caregiver’s age, child’s age, and gender were associated with chronic malnutrition. Furthermore, caregiver’s age, education and child’s age were associated with a child being underweight. The significance level was at P < 0.05.ConclusionFactors associated with food safety and children’s nutritional outcomes are multi-faceted in nature. Future studies should explore access to resources and other intermediate factors that may explain the linkage between childhood malnutrition and caregivers’ food safety awareness, knowledge, and behavior. Public health and food safety initiatives to bridge the gap between perceived food safety control and actual food safety behavior/practices.

Problematic behaviors at mealtimes and the nutritional status of Brazilian children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The aim of this study was to explore problematic behaviors and their association with the food consumption and nutritional status of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is a cross-sectional study which enrolled 90 Brazilian children (aged 2-10 years) with ASD. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the ASD Eating Behavior Assessment Scale, and the 24-h recall were used. Age, height, total body weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were accessed to estimate nutritional status (BMI/Age). Consumption of fruits, vegetables, total calories, macro and micronutrients (calcium, iron, zinc, omega 3 and omega 6), and Body Mass Index (BMI) were assessed. The regression models were adjusted for covariates (prevalence ratio - PR, α = 0.05). All studied children presented problematic behaviors at mealtimes, with a predominance of food selectivity (57.8%), followed by changes in mealtime skills (34.4%), changes in masticatory motor skills (25.6%), oppositional eating behaviors (20.4%), and rigid eating behaviors (20.0%). Food selectivity was associated with excess body weight (PR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.08-3.51) and absence of vegetable consumption (PR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.46-0.81). Rigid eating behaviors was associated with low consumption of fiber (PR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.15-1.75) and zinc (PR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.33-3.45), and with excessive caloric (PR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02-1.29) and lower calcium intake (PR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29-0.91). Selectivity and rigidity behaviors have different relationships with food consumption and are associated with a higher prevalence of inadequacies, which may lead to nutritional risks for children. Further studies may investigate the influence of problematic behaviors and excess body weight in ASD.

Changes in the nutritional status of children with cancer depending on clinical, demographic and social factors

Changes in the nutritional status of children with cancer depending on clinical, demographic and social factors

Literature Study: The Role of Health Cadres in Stunting Prevention to Support the Realisation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's)

Introduction: Stunting is one of the chronic nutritional problems of global concern, including in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) agenda. In Indonesia, stunting is still a major health problem and contributor to child morbidity and mortality. To overcome this problem, prevention efforts are needed that involve various parties, including health cadres at the community level. This study aims to analyze the role of health cadres in stunting prevention to support the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's). Methods: This study used a literature study by collecting and reviewing previous research, especially looking for information about the involvement of the role of health cadres in stunting prevention. Results: Health cadres have a role and function as the main driver at the community level to provide education, monitor children's nutritional status, and conduct nutrition intervention activities. Through increased capacity and knowledge, health cadres can help reduce the prevalence of stunting and support the achievement of the SDGs, namely ending hunger and ensuring healthy lives and well-being for all. Conclusion: Support and commitment from all parties are needed to strengthen the role of health cadres in supporting the realization of the SDGs. With the right support and good collaboration, this program can have a significant impact in improving the health and welfare of the community.

Exploring risk factors for undernutrition in children aged under five years in Yemen.

Undernutrition is a global health concern, particularly in low-income countries, and can manifest as wasting, stunting and/or underweight. In Yemen, the recent armed conflict is likely to have significantly increased the incidence of undernutrition in young children, particularly those living in communities that were already experiencing socioeconomic and health disparities. To explore the risk factors associated with wasting, stunting and underweight in children aged between six months and five years living in one district of Yemen. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a two-part questionnaire to collect anthropometric measurements and sociodemographic characteristics of children enrolled on an outpatient programme for undernourished children at three healthcare facilities in the Jiblah district, and of their families and households. Of the 120 children included in the study, 58 (48%) had wasting, 27 (23%) had stunting and 35 (29%) were underweight. Risk factors for undernutrition included being under the age of three years, being a girl, having had a low birthweight, having siblings under the age of five years, having a mother who is a housewife, living in a household relying on unimproved sources of drinking water, living in a rural area, and living in a low-income household. The nutritional status of children in Yemen is under continuing threat. The identification of risk factors for undernutrition may increase awareness of the issue and influence the policy decisions of the international community.

District Level Child and Women Nutritional Status in Andhra Pradesh State of India-Food Based Intervention Options for Improvement and Associated Issues

District Level Child and Women Nutritional Status in Andhra Pradesh State of India-Food Based Intervention Options for Improvement and Associated Issues

Impact of different CFTR modulators on nutritional status in children with cystic fibrosis

Impact of different CFTR modulators on nutritional status in children with cystic fibrosis

Taste and smell are associated with dietary intake, eating behavior, nutritional status, and health-related quality of life in children with cancer

Background & aimsSmell and taste changes are frequently reported bothersome treatment symptoms during treatment for childhood cancer and assumed to influence outcomes such as food intake. Since nutritional status of children with cancer is already vulnerable, any detrimental effects on food intake should be prevented. Therefore, understanding the exact relationship between chemosensory changes and dietary intake, eating behavior, and other domains such as health-related quality of life (HRQoL), is important for improving outcomes. MethodsIn this longitudinal study, we followed 87 childhood cancer patients treated for hematological, solid, or brain malignancies. Smell (odor threshold and odor identification) and taste function (total taste score) were objectively investigated using commercial Sniffin’ Sticks and Taste Strips respectively, and by self-report. Dietary intake was measured using a 3-day food dairy. For nutritional status, BMI expressed as standard deviation scores was derived from medical records. Eating behavior and HRQoL were assessed by the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) and PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales, respectively. Measurements were taken approximately 6 weeks (T0), 3 months (T1), 6 months after starting chemotherapy (T2), and 3 months after termination of chemotherapy or maintenance phase for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (T3). Dietary intake, eating behavior, nutritional status, and HRQoL were modelled over time using mixed model analysis. Associations between smell and taste (objective and self-report), as well as patient characteries were studied. ResultsEnergy intake significantly increased during the study period, with a higher age, BMI, and total taste scores associated to this increase. Boys had higher energy intake compared to girls. Eating behavior scores significantly declined, indicating less eating problems. Age, pre-diagnosis eating behavior, self-reported smell changes, and tube feeding were associated to eating behavior. BMI significantly increased, with a higher BMI at diagnosis to be related to a higher BMI during the study period. A lower BMI was found in children receiving tube feeding and self-reported taste changes. HRQoL improved during the study period, with lower HRQoL in children receiving tube feeding and self-reported taste changes. ConclusionBoth objective and subjective measures of taste and smell influence dietary intake, eating behavior, nutritional status, and HRQoL. Individual dietary advice and coping strategies are warranted to prevent detrimental effects of chemosensory changes on food intake and clinical outcomes in children with cancer.

Nutritional Status of Children in Bangladesh: Changes and Challenges for Development

Despite suffering from widespread poverty, Bangladesh has made remarkable improvements in the nutritional status of children over the past three decades. This paper describes the trends in the nutritional status of children in Bangladesh by age groups, explores factors associated with these trends, and concludes with a description of future challenges for development in Bangladesh. The national-level survey (BDHS), national plan and policy paper, and literature were used for the study. It is remarkable for Bangladesh that stunting, underweight, and wasting among children under five years old has improved gradually. Children 12- 23 months of age are the most vulnerable. Living in a rural vs urban area, wealth status and maternal education are the main determinants linked to the nutritional status of children. Poverty reduction, improved water and sanitation, strengthened maternal and child health care, education and other policies linked to food and dietary practices and many other policies and programs could continue to improve nutritional levels in children in Bangladesh. Attention is also needed to under five mortality and the double burden of malnutrition. Addressing gaps in policies and programs to achieve the goals of national plans and SDG targets will pay health dividends for the entire population.

Integration of Immunization and Health Care Services on the Nutritional Status of Children 6-59 Months of Age in Flood-Affected Areas of South Punjab

Child malnutrition remains a serious public health problem in many parts of the developing world, particularly in South and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The situation is exacerbated by natural disasters, particularly floods, which increase the risk of infectious diseases and worsen the nutrition crisis in vulnerable areas. In Pakistan, the 2018 National Nutrition Survey showed high levels of stunting, underweight and wasting among children under the age of five. This study aimed to determine whether integration of immunization and health services can improve the nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months in flood-affected areas of South Punjab, Pakistan. This study used a mixed methods approach, combining a cross-sectional observational study with structured interviews. A sample of 384 children aged 6-59 months was selected through convenience sampling in flood-affected areas. Data were collected through surveys and interviews with families, focusing on maternal feeding practices and factors affecting child nutritional status. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 25, including frequency distributions for categorical variables and Pearson correlations to determine the association between upper arm circumference (MUAC) and nutritional status, weight, and height. Results showed significant correlations between MUAC and child nutritional status (p=0.035), MUAC and child weight (p=&lt;0.001), and MUAC and child height (p=&lt;0.001). Of the total 384 participants, 60.68% had MUAC more than 12.5 cm, while 39.32% had MUAC less than 12.5 cm. This study confirms the importance of integrating health and immunization services in addressing child malnutrition in disaster-prone areas. Findings show that factors such as parents' socioeconomic status, occupation, education and living environment are significantly related to children's nutritional status.

Penggunaan Decision Tree dalam Penentuan Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Status Gizi Buruk Balita di Kelurahan Tamamaung

This study aims to evaluate the use of Decision Tree algorithms in determining the nutritional status of children based on Posyandu activity reports. Malnutrition poses serious risks for developing children, including weakened immune systems, long-term developmental delays, and high mortality rates. By applying the Decision Tree algorithm to classify the nutritional status of toddlers, this research seeks to identify nutritional status, which can then be addressed by health centers (Puskesmas). Using attributes such as weight (W), age (A), and height (H), aligned with child anthropometric indices, the Decision Tree method will be utilized to determine the factors influencing nutritional status in toddlers. The application of this method will facilitate the identification of at-risk toddlers, enabling timely prevention and intervention. Testing through k-fold cross-validation yielded an accuracy of 79.43%, a recall of 53.1%, and a precision of 76.6%. The results indicate that, out of 350 data points, the most significant factor affecting children's nutritional status is weight.

Integrative Empowerment Of Health Cadres In Efforts To Monitor Stunting Risk Through The Use Of Smartphone-Based Electronic Child Card Applications In Ngiliran Village, Panekan District, Magetan Regency

ABSTRACT The Community Engagement activity, conducted from May to August 2024, aimed to empower various stakeholders, such as early childhood integrated health service cadres, prospective brides and grooms, pregnant women, and mothers of young children, in their endeavors to monitor early stunting effectively. It addressed the pressing issue of stunting prevalence in Ngiliran Village, which had reached an alarming 18.6%, surpassing the national target set for 2024, which is 14%. Partners, including integrated health service cadres, prospective brides and grooms, pregnant women, and mothers, faced challenges like limited knowledge in measuring children's nutritional status, inconsistent monitoring, and inadequate stunting prevention education. To address these issues, the activity utilized the Electronic Child Card (KARANEL) smartphone application. KARANEL accurately measured children's height and weight, stored data electronically, presented nutritional status visually, and offered guidance. It empowered partners to identify, prevent, and manage stunting effectively. The results demonstrated that KARANEL enhanced the knowledge, skills, and motivation of integrated health service cadres and partners. Conclusion: the smartphone-based KARANEL application proved highly beneficial for early stunting monitoring in Ngiliran Village, providing a practical solution to combat stunting

Assessment of Malaria, Anemia and Nutrition status of school-going children in the rural area of Charsadda, Pakistan

Malaria, anemia, and malnutrition are global health challenges with significant morbidity and mortality, and higher rates among children particularly in Africa. This study evaluated the prevalence and risk factors of malaria infection, anemia, and malnutrition among school-going children of Charsadda (a city of Khyber, Pakistan). A total of 400 children of aged 5-10 years were included in the study in 2023. Malaria infection was confirmed by rapid diagnostic tests. Hematocrit level was obtained using a centrifuge microhematocrit and converted to hemoglobin using standard conversion. Nutritional status was determined by the anthropometric measurements, and demographic characteristics were obtained by questionnaire. Anemia and malnutrition were defined according to the World Health Organization standards. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine association between the predictor variables and primary outcomes. In current research work 400 children were selected for the assessment of malaria and nutritional status, malaria infection was found more frequent among the students 120(12%). In addition, high prevalence of anemia 105(10.5%), malnutrition 90(9%), and stunting 70(7%) was observed, while wasting 2(0.2%) and underweight 20(2%0 had very low frequency. Malaria infection, anemia, and malnutrition were observed in12%, 10.5% and 9% of the children population, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing the current health problems among the school-going children of district Charsadda the prevalence of malaria, anemia and malnutrition and their co-existence in children 5-10 years.

The potential effectiveness of community health and nutrition volunteers on mothers’ infant and young children feeding knowledge and practice in remote areas, Hajjah, Yemen

BackgroundThe Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices directly affect the health, development and nutritional status of children under two years of age. However, IYCF counseling is one of the Community Health and Nutrition Volunteers (CHNVs) activities provided, which may contribute to improving the IYCF knowledge and practice among mothers. Since establishment of the CHNVs program in Yemen, its outcome has never been evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of CHNVs in improving the IYCF knowledge and practice among mothers in Hajjah governorate.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study design was conducted in Bani Qais and Al-Maghrabah districts, Hajjah governorate between January and April 2023. A three-stage cluster sampling method was used to select districts, volunteer villages and households. A total of 926 mothers were interviewed. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data. SPSS 26 was used for data analysis. The multinomial logistic regression and Chi-Square test were used to compare the IYCF knowledge and practices among mothers between the volunteer and non-volunteer villages. Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were calculated. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe mothers in volunteer villages had significantly better breastfeeding and complementary feeding (CF) knowledge than mothers in non-volunteer villages. The OR of having good and moderate knowledge of breastfeeding were 3.5 (95%CI: 2.4–5.2) and 1.6 (95% CI: 1.2–2.2), respectively. The OR for good and moderate knowledge of CF were 1.7 (95% CI: 1.1–2.7) and 2.2 (95% CI: 1.5-3.0), respectively. Moreover, there is a statistically significant association in prevalence of Exclusively breastfed for the first two days after birth (EBF2D), Mixed milk feeding under six months (MixMF) and Bottle feeding 0–23 months (BoF) between volunteer and non-volunteer villages [(OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0-1.8), (OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.8) and (OR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.4–0.7), respectively].ConclusionsThe study found that CHNVs play a significant effect in improving the breastfeeding and CF knowledge, and prevalence of EBF2D, MixMF and BoF practices among mothers in their villages compared to non-volunteer villages. Future follow-up study and expansion to other settings in different governorates is recommended.

Evaluation of physical activity level, handgrip strength, and flexibility in relation to nutritional status in children 6 to 12 years of age

Evaluation of physical activity level, handgrip strength, and flexibility in relation to nutritional status in children 6 to 12 years of age

Incidence and risk factors of common infections among children in Wonago, southern Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveThere are limited data in Ethiopia on common childhood illnesses. We aimed to measure the incidence and risk factors of common childhood illnesses in rural parts of southern Ethiopia.DesignA community-based...

MODEL INTERVENSI SUPPORTIVE EDUCATIVE SYSTEM BERBASIS INTEGRASI SELF CARE TERHADAP PENGETAHUAN DAN PRAKTIK PEMBERIAN MAKAN PADA IBU BALITA GIZI KURANG

The nutritional status of children under five is a reflection of the nutritional status of the community, nutritional problems arise if the intake of nutrients consumed with nutritional needs is not appropriate. Malnutrition status in toddlers has a negative impact on growth disorders and causes low cognitive abilities and Intelligence Quotient values. Supportive educative system is a method of education or providing education using various methods such as teaching, guiding, and providing environment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the knowledge and practice of feeding underweight mothers before and after being given a supportive educative system intervention based on self care integration. The type of research used is a quasi-experimental research design with one group pretest posttest design. The population in this study were all underweight children under five years of age in the working area of ​​the Magepanda Health Center as many as 36 people, the sampling technique in this study was using a non-probability sampling technique by means of saturated sampling. The instrument for measuring feeding practices was measured using a modified questionnaire from the Child Feeding Questionnaire. Data collection includes pretest, intervention and posttest. Wilcoxon test results show that before and after being given the intervention Supportive Educative System Based on Integration of Self Care and Family Centered Nursing gives a price (p-value 0.000 less than = 0.05), then Ho is rejected. Ha is accepted. This shows that there is a significant effect caused by the intervention of the Supportive Educative System Based on Integration of Self Care and Family Centered Nursing.

Impact of agricultural land ownership on child nutrition in rural Sudan: an investigation across gender

Purpose In light of the inequality in access to farming land and the high prevalence of child malnutrition in Sudan, there is a lack of empirical research on the relationship between land ownership and child nutritional status. This study aims to examine the influence of agricultural landholding on the nutritional status of children under the age of five in rural Sudan.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilizes data from Sudan’s 2014 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), covering a sample of 10,753 rural children. The empirical analysis uses the two-stage least squares (2SLS) approach, adopting various estimation methods and model specifications for robustness check and comparison.Findings The results demonstrate that agricultural land has a positive and significant effect on reducing child malnutrition, signifying that children from families with agricultural land are less susceptible to malnutrition in Sudan. When examining the male and female sub-samples separately, the findings indicate a positive influence of land ownership on child malnutrition in the female sub-sample, while no significant impact is observed in the male sub-sample. This indicates a gender disparity in the effects of land ownership on child nutrition, with girls benefiting more from access to agricultural land compared to boys.Originality/value The study has several significant contributions. First, this is the sole study that examines the impact of agricultural land ownership on child malnutrition in Sudan. Second, considering the gender variations in nutritional status, investigating the influence of land ownership on child nutrition across genders addresses a significant gap in the current literature. Finally, the findings resulting from this study can contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030, precisely focusing on SDG2 Goal 2: Zero hunger and SDG 10: Goal 10: Reduced inequalities.

Measurement of mid-upper arm circumference to screen for childhood malnutrition: General applicability and use in special populations.

Since the development of consensus-recommended indicators for pediatric malnutrition in 2014, screening and diagnosis of pediatric malnutrition have improved, but the indicators are not always used; malnutrition continues to be underdiagnosed in some community and healthcare settings. In particular, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is underused as a screening indicator for pediatric malnutrition, despite its unique advantages and usefulness in several clinical situations. In December 2022, a scientific roundtable was held to bring together several experts in pediatric malnutrition. One of the goals of the scientific roundtable was to discuss the clinical use of anthropometric measures as screening tools for pediatric malnutrition status, with a focus on the use of MUAC. This article arose from that event and is intended as an educational tool to aid clinicians in implementing MUAC measurements. In addition to describing the use of MUAC as a screening tool, the article discusses several clinical situations in which MUAC is especially useful. Additionally, the article reviews practical aspects of measuring and interpreting MUAC values, provides links to additional educational resources, and briefly reviews areas in which further research is needed regarding the use of MUAC for screening of nutrition status in children.