Nutritional Status Of Children Research Articles

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

Blood Lead Levels and Their Association with Iron Deficiency and Anemia in Children.

Lead is a ubiquitous and neurotoxic heavy metal particularly harmful to children, who are more susceptible than adults to its toxic effects. The prevalence of lead poisoning and iron deficiency (ID) is high in socioeconomically vulnerable child populations, negatively affecting neurocognitive development in children. Although numerous studies have shown the association between blood lead levels (BLL) and ID, the issue remains controversial. Here, we aimed to identify the association between BLL and iron nutritional status in children. We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study of healthy children aged 1-6 y attending periodic health checks in primary healthcare units from La Plata and its surroundings, Buenos Aires, Argentina, between 2012 and 2017. We performed anthropometric evaluations and determined BLL, hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin levels. Blood lead levels ≥ 5µg/dL were defined as elevated BLL; ferritin levels < 12 ng/ml were considered ID; Hb levels < 11g/dL (< 11.5g/dL for children ≥ 5 y) were defined as anemia. Data were analysed using Mann Whitney test, Student´s t-test, chi-square test and logistic regression. The R package (v. 4.2.2.) was used for the statistical analysis of data. The sample included 392 children (mean age, 2.4 ± 1.4 y; 44.6% females). The prevalence of elevated BLL, ID and anemia was 8.7%, 26.3% and 31.8%, respectively. We found a significant association between elevated BLL and ID (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.16 (1.50, 6.63)). The prevalence of elevated BLL was 16.2% and 5.8% in children with and without ID, respectively (p = 0.003). We also found association between elevated BLL and anemia (OR 95% CI: 3.03 (1.49, 6.29)). In conclusion, blood lead levels ≥ 5µg/dL were significantly associated with ID and anemia in children aged 1-6 years.

Factors Associated with Anthropometric Status of Primary School Children in Dodoma, Tanzaniaania

Background: Malnutrition in school-age children significantly affects their health, cognitive development, and educational attainment. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of school-age children and the influence of socioeconomic, demographic, and environmental factors on their nutritional well-being. This study focused on primary focus was on primary school children in Dodoma. sought to identify children who could be at risk of malnutrition. The study intended to establish baseline data regarding the nutritional status of school children that could contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional landscape among primary school children in the region. This information could subsequently inform nutritionists and policymakers to plan interventions to improve these children's nutritional status. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 248 pupils was conducted in eight primary schools in Dodoma. Four schools were selected from Chamwino and Dodoma urban districts, respectively, whereby two government schools and two private schools were selected from each district. The other four schools were situated in the urban district of Dodoma, comprising two government and two private schools. The study assessed the prevalence of stunting, wasting/thinness, underweight, and overweight/obesity among primary school children. Stunting was characterized by impaired growth and development with low height for age, while underweight was defined as low weight relative to age. Wasting/thinness refers to insufficient flesh, with body weight falling below skeletal and physical standards. Overweight/obese indicates excessive fat tissue accumulation that could impact health. Data were analyzed using the WHO AnthroPlus v1.0.4 software and SPSS v26 software for Windows. Results: Prevalence rates among the surveyed pupils were as follows: stunting (10.5%), underweight (3.6%), thinness (2.8%), and overweight/obesity (10.1%). Stunting was more prevalent in boys (13.2%) than in girls (8.2%), and it exhibited an upward trend with increasing age. The prevalence of underweight was higher in public schools (8.2%) compared to private schools (3.2%). Thinness was more common in public schools (85.7%) compared to private schools (14.3%) and was more prevalent in rural areas (57.1%) and among younger children (57.1%). Overweight/obesity was more prevalent among girls (91.0%) compared to boys (88.6%). Schools in urban areas showed a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity (90.3%) than those in rural areas (89.5%). Private schools (95.2%) had a higher prevalence of overweight/obese pupils compared to public schools (84.7%). Pupils residing in urban areas were more likely to become overweight/obese compared to their counterparts living in rural settings. Conclusion: Significant rates of stunting, thinness, underweight, and overweight/obesity were observed among primary schoolchildren in Dodoma, Tanzania. These findings underlined the necessity to enhance nutrition interventions to improve the nutritional status of both public and private primary school pupils in Tanzania.

Investigating nutritional status and body composition in children with cerebral palsy; the Eat, Sleep Play-CP study

Cerebral palsy (CP), or to use the Te Reo term “Hōkai Nukurangi”, is an umbrella name for a group of permanent neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting movement and posture(1), and is the most common childhood onset physical disability globally. The available literature on the nutritional status of children with CP describes high rates of malnutrition, however data appears to be skewed towards children of higher levels of impairment impacting functional independence. Less is known about the nutritional status of children with lower levels of impairment. The aim of the “Eat, Sleep, Play-CP” study was to evaluate total energy intake, total protein intake and the timing of protein intake in relation to physical activity for children with CP across all functional levels living in Aotearoa New Zealand. Children with CP aged 5-12 years were invited to participate in an observational assessment of dietary intake using parent reported 24-hour dietary recall (Intake 24) on three non-consecutive days, accompanied by a questionnaire capturing self-reported sleep and physical activity patterns. Body composition was assessed via whole body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. Nine participants (6 males, median age: 10 years, n = 2 Māori), across Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I-IV, and Eating and Drinking Classification System levels I-III took part in the study. The median total energy intake was 7267kJ/d (range 5355-10731.96kJ/d), and median protein intake was 67g/d (range 49-111g/d). According to the Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand (NRV)(2), 3 of the 9 participants (33%) were within the recommended range for energy intake according to their age and reported physical activity levels. Of the other 6, 4 were below and 2 were above the recommended ranges. All 9 met the recommended protein intake (NRV). Participants had a median percentage body fat of 40% (range 20-46%), and non-fat mass of 58% (range 52-76%). Five participants fell within the overweight or obese range for their age and sex, three of whom were within the recommended range of total energy daily intake according to NRVs. This outcome may indicate that for some children with CP, recommendations could be over-estimating the actual requirements. These early results may bring in to question current practice around guidance for energy intake requirements for children with CP and their whānau to support healthy body composition. Further investigations are needed to establish whether specific energy intake guidelines are required for children with CP.

More dietary advice may be needed to support healthy body composition for children with cerebral palsy in Aotearoa New Zealand

The available literature on the nutritional status of children with cerebral palsy (CP) worldwide has identified high rates of malnutrition, specifically undernutrition(1). However, there is a current lack of clear CP-specific dietary guidelines for children with CP across all functional levels. Standard reference tools such as estimated energy requirement (EER) and recommended dietary intake (RDI) may overestimate requirements in children with CP, especially those with reduced mobility and activity levels. Furthermore, for children with severe CP, body composition data indicates higher risks of obesity and obesity-related conditions(2). There can be a wide range of functional abilities, classifiable with tools such as the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS). The majority of nutrition-related CP literature focuses on children requiring assistance for feeding (EDACS IV-V) with little information available for children with higher levels of functional independence. The aim of this study was to determine whether children with CP had received any prior dietary guidance for healthy body composition and to summarise the type of advice received. Children aged 5-12 years and their whānau were invited to participate in a study where a purpose-developed questionnaire captured their history of receiving tailored dietary recommendations for CP. Body composition was assessed via whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. Nine participants (6 males, median age: 10y, n = 2 Māori), across GMFCS levels I-IV and EDACS levels I-III took part in the study. Out of 9 children, 5 (55%) indicated that their child had never received dietary advice, 3 of whom were classified as obese or overweight based on growth chart percentiles using their measures of body fat percentage, 1 was classified as underweight and 1 was within the healthy ranges. Of the 4 who had previously received advice, its nature was reported as in support of weight gain (n = 3), and weight loss (n = 1). All 4 received dietary advice from a dietitian and 1 reported some additional advice from a pediatrician and/or orthopedic doctor. Two of the children who had received dietary advice fell within a healthy body fat percentage based on the growth chart percentiles at the time of the study, while the other two were classified as overweight or obese. The results indicate the importance of developing clear dietary guidance for children with CP which may differ from that for typically developing children, particularly depending upon CP subtype diagnosis and functional level, in order to support healthy body composition.

Effects of undernutrition on mortality of HIV-infected children after initiation of antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundUndernutrition is the leading cause of mortality among children infected with HIV particularly in resource-deprived settings. Despite several studies were disclosed the effect of undernutrition on mortality of children living with HIV in Ethiopia, the findings were fragmented and inconclusive. Therefore, this review aimed to determine the pooled effects of undernutrition on mortality of children infected with HIV in Ethiopia. MethodsThe search were performed using international online electronic data bases (MEDLINE/though PubMed, Google scholar, Hinari, Scopus and open Google). The review included only retrospective/prospective cohort studies reporting the effects of undernutrition on mortality of children infected with HIV. Heterogeneity between included studies was assessed using Cochrane Q-test and the I2 statistics. Sub-group analysis was done by study regions, sample size and publication year. ResultsA total of 1345 articles were identified from databases. Among these, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria and included in the study. Meta-analysis of 4 studies revealed that stunting has a significant effect on mortality of children infected with HIV (AHR: 3.36; 95 % CI: 2.95–3.77). Of 14 included studies, 6 articles indicated that wasting has a significant effect on mortality in children infected with HIV (AHR: 3.93; 95 % CI: 2.56–5.30) as compared to their counterparts. Furthermore, the pooled effect of 8 studies showed that underweight has 3.4 times hazard of death among children who lived with HIV as compared to well-nourished children. ConclusionThis review revealed that undernutrition has deleterious effect on mortality of children infected with HIV/AIDS by disease progression and prone the children to serious opportunistic infections. From the study, the authors recommended that nutritional status of children on antiretroviral therapy need to be evaluated regularly.

IMPACT OF SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS ON ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS OF PATIENTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Introduction: Cerebral palsy is disorder of movement and posture caused by non-progressive disturbances in developing brain caused by number of factors. (1,2) Prevalence of malnutrition among children with cerebral palsy is higher than that in normal children (4-7). Some studies suggest an association between socioeconomic status and cerebral palsy whereas others refute it. Our study will discuss the impact of socioeconomic status on various anthropometric indices. Objectives: To study the relation between socioeconomic status and anthropometric indices in patients with cerebral palsy. Materials And Methods: This was a cross sectional observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Srinagar from January 2021 to November 2022 which enrolled inpatient cerebral palsy children aged 1-18 years old. Height for age (stunting), weight for age (underweight), weight for height (wasting), BMI for age were derived and z scores were assessed through WHO Anthroplus and WHO anthro 3.2 softwares. Socioeconomic status was assessed by modified kuppuswamy scale updated for the year 2019. The data was analyzed with Jamovi 2.3.21. Nutritional status of children was classified as per WHO standards for z scores (i.e., -2 SD to +2 SD : Normal -2 SD to -3 SD : Moderately undernourished and &lt;-3 SD : Severely undernourished). Relation between categorical variables was analyzed by chi square test. Statistical significance was assessed and p values &lt; 0.05 were considered significant. The study was approved by ethical committee of our institute Results: 35 out of 102 participants (34.3%) belong to upper lower socioeconomic class. 25 out of 102 participants (24.5%) patients belong to lower middle socioeconomic class. 19 out of 102 participants (18.6%) belong to upper middle class. 14 out of 102 participants (13.7%) belong to lower class and 9 out of 102 participants (8.8%) belong to upper class.

Changes in Nutritional Status of Children Under Five with Acyanotic Congenital Heart Disease Left to Right Shunt Type After Defect Closure by Catheterization

Highlights: 1. The nutritional status of children with CVD after therapy is interesting to discuss especially because children antibody varies. 2. Changes in their nutrition intake after the surgery would help for future treatments with related disease and same operation. - Background: One of the impacts that occur in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) is malnutrition. Malnutrition will affect the growth of the child. Closure therapy with catheterization can improve nutritional status after a few months. This study aims to determine the nutritional status of toddlers with simple left to right shunt-type acyanotic CHD before and after closure therapy with catheterization. Material and Methods: This study is an analytical observational study with a retrospective cohort method using medical record data involving pediatric patients less than 5 years old with simple left to right shunt-type acyanotic CHD who received closure by catheterization at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital from January 2020 to December 2020. Results: From 10 samples, the characteristics of the most samples were women (90%), age group 2-5 years (60%), and PDA abnormalities (50%). In addition, nutritional status after closure by catheterization improved. Conclusion: There was an improvement in nutritional status (W/H) after defect closure with catheterization in patients aged less than 5 years with simple left to right shunt type acyanotic CHD within several months.

Are the nutritional status and growth parameters of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis akin to their healthy peers? A single-center experience

ObjectiveProper nutrition is a significant contributor to growth achievement in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). In this study, the aim was to analyze the growth parameters and nutritional status of children with JIA and then compare them with their healthy peers. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 54 patients with JIA and the same number of healthy peers. Growth parameter z-scores and nutrient distributions were analyzed and compared with a control group and among disease subgroups. ResultsWhile the average height in the control group was significantly greater than in the patient group, there was similarity in terms of body weight and body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.001, P = 0.33, P = 0.14, respectively). Body weight and BMI z-scores of patients with high disease activity at the most recent visit were significantly lower (P = 0.03, P = 0.01, respectively). Both groups had similar energy and protein requirement–meeting percentages (P = 0.62, P = 0.51). JIA atients had higher carbohydrate intake (P = 0.04), and fat intake was higher in controls (P = 0.02). Energy obtained from junk food was higher in patients with entesitis-related arthritis (ERA) compared to oligoarticular JIA and polyarticular JIA (P = 0.03). Micronutrient intake in the ERA group was significantly lower for vitamin E, C, and folate (P = 0.02, P = 0.03, P < 0.001). ConclusionIn our cohort, patients had a lower height score. As they have a diet characterized by adequate energy/protein, carbohydrate, and high fat intake, this may be a reflection of disease activity. Although some of the micronutrient intakes were less than normal in both groups, significant deficiencies were identified in the ERA group.

Impact of cystic fibrosis on blood lactate level, respiratory muscle function, peripheral strength and nutritional status in children and adolescents

Introduction: Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) have digestive, pulmonary and muscular system manifestations, resulting in functional and clinical repercussions, such as changes in the nutritional status, in the strength and endurance of the respiratory muscles and in the oxidative capacity. The objective of this study was to compare blood lactate level, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, peripheral strength and nutritional status among children and adolescents with CF and healthy ones, as well as to correlate the lactate level with respiratory and peripheral muscle forces and respiratory muscle endurance of children and adolescents with CF. Methods: In an observational, analytical and cross-sectional study, 22 children and adolescents (11 healthy and 11 with CF) were divided into two groups according to the diagnosis of CF. Blood lactate level, inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength, respiratory muscle endurance, peripheral muscle strength and nutritional status were evaluated. Data analysis was performed using Students t test, Mann-Whitney, Pearson and Spearman correlations, with SPSS (25.0), adopting a significance level of 5%. Results: Children and adolescents with CF presented high levels of blood lactate (p=0.000), decreased maximum inspiratory pressure (p=0.006), deterioration of nutritional status (p=0.000) and also they did not show any difference in peripheral strength (p=0.365) and respiratory endurance (p=0.716). Conclusions: Individuals with CF have high levels of blood lactate, with significant impairment of nutritional status and respiratory muscle function compared to healthy individuals. However, the high lactate levels are not related to respiratory and peripheral muscle strength and respiratory endurance.

OPTIMALISASI PERTUMBUHAN ANAK DAN PENGENTASAN STUNTING MELALUI INOVASI “MAS DANU SIAB CETING” DI KELURAHAN DANUKUSUMAN, KECAMATAN SERENGAN, KOTA SURAKARTA

This research aims to examine efforts to optimize child growth and reduce stunting through Mas Danu Siab Ceting's innovation in Danukusuman Village, Serengan District, Surakarta City. The research method used is qualitative with a case study approach. Data was collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and analysis of documents related to innovation programs. The research results show that Mas Danu Siab Ceting's innovation has succeeded in gathering active participation from the community and various related parties in efforts to improve the quality of children's nutrition and reduce stunting rates. Through integrated programs, such as nutritional education, providing additional food, and regular monitoring of children's growth, there has been a significant improvement in children's nutritional status and a reduction in stunting rates in Danukusuman Village. These findings show that Mas Danu Siab Ceting's innovation has great potential in overcoming the problem of stunting at the local level. This research makes an important contribution to understanding effective strategies for optimizing child growth and alleviating stunting through community-based innovation

Socio-demographics, dietary diversity score, and nutritional status of children aged 2–5 years: A cross-sectional study of Indonesian coastal areas

BackgroundClimate change has negatively impacted both food security and food diversity, including malnutrition (stunting, wasting, and underweight), especially among children in coastal areas. The dietary diversity score (DDS) is a good indicator used to assess the quality of food for children. This study aimed to investigate the association between socio-demographic characteristics, DDS, and nutritional status in children aged 2–5 years in the coastal area of Demak, Indonesia. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 households with children aged 2–5 years living in the coastal area of Demak from April to July 2022. The socio-demographic characteristics were determined by interviewing the mother or child caregiver, followed by anthropometric measurements of the children. The DSS was calculated based on the 24-h food recall method. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, and Chi-square were used for statistical analysis. ResultsThe mean age of the subjects was 3.11 ± 0.93 years (girl 46.9% and boy 53.1%). Maternal education was significantly associated with children's DDS (P = 0.016). There was a significant association between the history of acute respiratory infection (ARI) and nutritional status based on HAZ (P = 0.023), and there was also a significant association between exclusive breastfeeding history and family type with nutritional status based on WHZ (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe study indicated a significant association between socio-demographic factors (mother's education, ARI history, exclusive breastfeeding history, and family type) with DDS and children's nutritional status in Demak.

Analysis of Social Demography, Behavioral Hygiene, Breast Milk, And Nutritional Status in Children with Diarrhea in Surabaya City

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of social demographics, personal hygiene, breastfeeding, and nutritional status on the incidence of diarrhea among children. Understanding these factors is crucial for assessing and improving the quality of health services, particularly in reducing child mortality rates associated with diarrhea. Methods: The research employed an explanatory survey research design, aimed at exploring new insights, identifying relationships between phenomena, and understanding the reasons behind certain events. Approval for data collection was obtained from the Candel Surabaya's ethics committee. Data were gathered from the Wonokromo sub-district in Surabaya in June 2023, with a sample size ranging from 300 to 400, selected through purposive sampling. Questionnaires were distributed to mothers attending Posyandu in Wonokromo village, and data were analyzed univariately using logistic regression. Results and Discussion: Statistical analysis revealed several significant findings. Ethnicity and the number of children were found to have no significant effect on the incidence of diarrhea (p-value = 0.322 and p-value = 0.930, respectively). However, factors such as mother's age (p-value = 0.021), education (p-value = 0.000), employment (p-value = 0.000), income (p-value = 0.000), child's age (p-value = 0.000), gender (p-value = 0.019), personal hygiene (p-value = 0.000), breastfeeding (p-value = 0.000), and nutritional status (p-value = 0.000) were significantly associated with the incidence of diarrhea. These results suggest that social demographics and personal hygiene, breastfeeding, and nutritional status play significant roles in influencing diarrhea occurrence among children. Implications of the Research: The findings of this study carry important implications for public health interventions. It underscores the necessity of promoting healthy lifestyle practices among parents, particularly mothers, to mitigate the incidence of diarrhea in children. Improving education, employment opportunities, income levels, and access to healthcare services can contribute to better health outcomes for children. Additionally, emphasizing the importance of personal hygiene, breastfeeding, and maintaining adequate nutritional status can significantly reduce the risk of diarrhea. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the specific factors that influence the incidence of diarrhea among children in a particular setting. By elucidating the significance of social demographics and various health-related practices, this study provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community stakeholders to develop targeted interventions aimed at reducing child morbidity and mortality associated with diarrhea.

Association between cardiovascular risk and maternal perception of BMI in Peruvian schoolchildren.

In the modern era, the maternal perception of children's nutritional status has emerged as a critical area of study, given its potential influence on nutritional interventions and long-term child health. The relationship between this perception and children's Body Mass Index (BMI) by age is particularly intriguing, as it may reveal discrepancies between perception and reality. The aim of this study was to evaluate Peruvian mothers' perception of their children's Body Mass Index (BMI) in relation to age and to determine how this perception associates with the children's cardiovascular risk. The study also analyzed sociodemographic factors that might influence this perception. The study included 130 mothers of schoolchildren aged 5 to 11 from a school in Lima. Mothers' perceptions of their children's weight were assessed using pictograms, and sociodemographic characteristics were collected through a questionnaire. Weight and height measurements were taken to calculate BMI, and waist circumference was measured to classify cardiovascular risk. A total of 57.4% of the schoolchildren presented with excess malnutrition, and 51.5% of the mothers incorrectly classified the actual BMI/Age of their children (kappa 0.11; p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, it was found that the schoolchild's age is associated with the mother's failure to accurately perceive her child's weight (OR 1.59). Lastly, there was a significant association between maternal perception and cardiovascular risk (p ≤ 0.05). There is a significant discrepancy between maternal perception and the actual nutritional status of children, which can increase cardiovascular risk. It is necessary to implement intervention and education strategies targeted at parents to enhance the recognition and management of childhood overweight and obesity.

Exhibiting the Changes in Nutritional Status of Children in India: An Empirical Insight from the Human Opportunity Index

Exhibiting the Changes in Nutritional Status of Children in India: An Empirical Insight from the Human Opportunity Index

Association of food consumption patterns and nutritional status of children under 5 years from rural households in Northern regions, Namibia

BackgroundMany developing countries, Namibia included, have a high prevalence of malnutrition among children, especially in rural subsistence farming areas where inadequate food supply is common. Poor diets in children under 5 years may result in negative health impacts. This study determined the association of food consumption patterns and nutritional status of children under 5 years from rural households in Oshana and Oshikoto regions in Namibia.MethodEmploying a cross-sectional descriptive design, 377 children under 5 years participated in this study using purposive sampling. Validated dietary diversity and food frequency questionnaires were used to obtain information on demographic characteristics, commonly consumed food per week, and meal frequencies for the recruited children. Anthropometric measurements were obtained to assess nutritional status of children using Emergency Nutrition Assessment (ENA) software. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed using the IBM® SPSS® Statistics (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 27.ResultsStaple foods, mostly grains, roots and tubers, along with flesh foods, legumes and nuts were commonly consumed. Vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables were solely consumed in Oshana region (10.7%) and not in Oshikoto. Oshana exhibited a lower dietary diversity score (4±1 SD) compared to Oshikoto (5±1 SD). The prevalence of adequate feeding practices varied, with Oshana having 38.8% meeting minimum milk feeding frequency (MMFF), 55.6% minimum dietary diversity (MDD), 69.8% minimum meal frequency (MMF), and 27% minimum acceptable diet (MAD). In Oshikoto, these figures were lower at 2%, 7%, 32%, and 0.5%, respectively. Stunting, underweight, wasting, and overweight were also documented, with slight differences between the two regions. The study did not find association between nutritional status and MMFF, MDD and MAD. However, significant associations were found between specific food types, amount of food, breastfeeding length, MMF and malnutrition indicators in both regions (p<0.05).ConclusionMost study participants consumed locally available staple foods. Stunting, underweight, and wasting were prevalent among children in the two regions which were significantly associated to the amount of food consumed, MMF and/ some food types. Improving food environments and eliminating access barriers to diversified diets can mitigate high prevalence of malnutrition among rural children.

Relationship of Characteristics of Mothers and Nutritional Status of Tolls in Puskesmas Suka Mulia Nagan Raya District

The factors that influence the nutritional status of children under five are very substantial to be studied. This aims to find out what factors are related so that power action and efforts to improve nutrition can be taken in the community. Because health is a form of human right which is explicitly mandated by the 1945 Constitution. Education and time for mothers and the health of parents, especially mothers, are one of the causes of malnutrition in toddlers. This study aims to determine the relationship between maternal characteristics and the nutritional status of children under five at the Suka Mulia Public Health Center, Nagan Raya Regency. The research procedure was by measuring body weight, mothers of children under five were given a nutritional status questionnaire. Data analysis using the Chi-square test showed that from 45 samples. The majority of children's nutritional status is good (77.8%). There was no relationship between maternal age and nutritional status of children under five at the Suka Mulia Public Health Center, Nagan Raya Regency (p=0.519). There is a relationship between mother's knowledge and nutritional status of children under five at the Suka Mulia Public Health Center, Nagan Raya Regency (p = 0.001). There is a relationship between maternal education and the nutritional status of children under five at the Suka Mulia Health Center, Nagan Raya Regency (p = 0.005). There is no relationship between mother's work and the nutritional status of children under five at the Suka Mulia Public Health Center, Nagan Raya Regency (p=0.070). There is a relationship between maternal parity and the nutritional status of children under five at the Suka Mulia Public Health Center, Nagan Raya Regency (p=0.003). From the results of the study, it can be concluded that knowledge, occupation, education and parity of mothers are related to the nutritional status of children under five. It is recommended that all mothers continue to seek information about children's health, especially the procedure for providing nutritious food to toddlers. "

Examining the relationship between urban household food insecurity and under-five mortality in Lideta Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Household food insecurity increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in children. Improved reproductive health in women enhances the nutrition status of children, while better food security helps children survive. This study aims to examine the relationship between food insecurity and under-five mortality. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2023 in Lideta Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 605 women of reproductive age were selected using multistage sampling. A Pearson Chi-square test (&amp;chi;2) and logistic regression were used to assess the association between food insecurity and under-five mortality after adjusting for other covariates. The result of the study shows that food security status was a significant predictor of under-five mortality at p &lt; 0.05. According to the findings, women from food-insecure households were 3.89 times more likely to experience under-five mortality compared to women from food-secure households. Similarly, women&amp;rsquo;s education, age at first birth, initiation of breastfeeding, child&amp;rsquo;s age and sex, birth order, and the number of children ever born were significant predictors of under-five mortality at p &lt; 0.05. These outcomes reinforce the notion that food insecurity is a significant public health concern. Consequently, national and regional considerations should prioritize addressing household food insecurity and cases of acute malnutrition to achieve sustainable development goals.

Nutritional Status of Children in the PROFISEM Intervention Zone: Logone Occidental and Wadi-Fira in Chad

In Chad, as in most sub-Saharan African countries, the nutritional situation remains a major concern, and is an underlying cause of many other health problems. The aim of this study is to assess the nutritional status of children aged 6 to 59 months in the provinces of Logone Occidental and Wadi-Fira, in order to contribute to a better management of nutritional problems. The study was carried out between August 16 and October 10, 2022, and involved 207 children aged 6 to 59 months in Wadi-Fira, and 63 aged 6 to 59 months in Logone Occidental. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire and measurements to collect data on the children's socio-demographic characteristics and anthropometry. Analysis of the children's nutritional status was based on the z-score of nutritional indices and edema according to 2006 WHO references. Analysis of the results showed that the prevalence of global acute malnutrition is 18.84%, chronic malnutrition affects 30.9% and underweight affects 32.9% of children in Wadi Fira. In Logone Occidental, about 1/10 child (9.20%) suffers from acute malnutrition, 33.6% from chronic malnutrition and 22.8% from underweight. In Wadi-Fira, the nutritional situation is considered critical, with more than one child on 15 suffering from global or moderate acute malnutrition. In Logone Occidental, the nutritional situation is precarious for both forms of acute malnutrition. The nutritional situation in both provinces needs a reinforcement of current actions in the fight against malnutrition.

Alterations of Nutritional Status in Children and Adolescents with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Malnutrition is often observed in pediatric cancer patients and has been recognized as a risk factor for relapse and survival. Maintaining an appropriate nutritional status during anticancer treatment has, therefore, been more and more frequently perceived as an additional requirement for optimal therapy outcomes. The aim of our study was to establish alterations of nutritional status in 26 children and adolescents treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at the Children's Hospital in Zagreb, Croatia, between 2016 and 2021, by using anthropometric measures and serum albumin levels. The majority of patients (53.8% female, median 4 years, 52.2% intermediate-risk leukemia group) had normal weight at the beginning of chemotherapy. The percentage of overweight/obese patients increased from 4.2% at diagnosis to 37.5% at the end of intensive therapy. Apart from a significant increase in body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) for age, a notable decline in body height/body length (BH/BL) for age in the observed period was recorded, especially in high-risk leukemia patients. The alterations in serum albumin values were not significant, nor was their correlation with BMI. Dietary consultation was offered to all patients, while children with a decline in BMI and BH/BL received additional nutritional support.