Prevalence Of Malnutrition In Children Research Articles

Bayesian modeling of quantiles of body mass index among under-five children in Ethiopia

BackgroundBody Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement of nutritional status, which is a vital pre-condition for good health. The prevalence of childhood malnutrition and the potential long-term health risks associated with obesity in Ethiopia have recently increased globally. The main objective of this study was to investigate the factors associated with the quantiles of under-five children’s BMI in Ethiopia.MethodsData on 5,323 children, aged between 0-59 months from March 21, 2019, to June 28, 2019, were obtained from the Ethiopian Mini Demographic Health Survey (EMDHS, 2019), based on the standards set by the World Health Organization. The study used a Bayesian quantile regression model to investigate the association of factors with the quantiles of under-five children’s body mass index. Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) with Gibbs sampling was used to estimate the country-specific marginal posterior distribution estimates of model parameters, using the Brq R package.ResultsOut of a total of 5323 children included in this study, 5.09% were underweight (less than 12.92 BMI), 10.05% were overweight (BMI: 17.06 – 18.27), and 5.02% were obese (greater than or equal to 18.27 BMI) children’s. The result of the Bayesian quantile regression model, including marginal posterior credible intervals (CIs), showed that for the prediction of the 0.05 quantile of BMI, the current age of children [β\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\upbeta$$\\end{document}= -0.007, 95% CI :(-0.01, -0.004)], the region Afar [β\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\upbeta$$\\end{document} = - 0.32, 95% CI: (-0.57, -0.08)] and Somalia[β\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\upbeta$$\\end{document} = -0.72, 95% CI: (-0.96, -0.49)] were negatively associated with body mass index while maternal age [β\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\upbeta$$\\end{document} = 0.01, 95% CI: (0.005, 0.02)], mothers primary education [β\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\upbeta$$\\end{document}= 0.19, 95% CI: (0.08, 0.29)], secondary and above [β\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\upbeta$$\\end{document} = 0.44, 95% CI: (0.29, 0.58)], and family follows protestant [β\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\upbeta$$\\end{document} = 0.22, 95% CI: (0.07, 0.37)] were positively associated with body mass index. In the prediction of the 0.95 (or 0.85?) quantile of BMI, in the upper quantile, still breastfeeding [β\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\upbeta$$\\end{document} = -0.25, 95% CI: (-0.41, -0.10)], being female [β\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\upbeta$$\\end{document} = -0.13, 95% CI: (-0.23, -0.03)] were negatively related while wealth index [β\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\upbeta$$\\end{document} = 0.436, 95% CI: (0.25, 0.62)] was positively associated with under-five children’s BMI.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the research findings indicate that the percentage of lower and higher BMI for under-five children in Ethiopia is high. Factors such as the current age of children, sex of children, maternal age, religion of the family, region and wealth index were found to have a significant impact on the BMI of under-five children both at lower and upper quantile levels. Thus, these findings highlight the need for administrators and policymakers to devise and implement strategies aimed at enhancing the normal or healthy weight status among under-five children in Ethiopia.

Analysis of Malnutrition among Children under Five Years across Contrasting Agroecosystems of Northwest Ethiopia: Application of Structural Equation Modeling.

Child malnutrition remains a public health challenge in developing countries, but a comprehensive understanding of its burden and its determinants in specific local contexts is generally lacking. This study examined the prevalence of malnutrition and its determinants among children aged <5 years across contrasting agroecosystems in northwest Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study involving 400 respondents was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements, complemented with focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The direct and indirect effects of the determinants of malnutrition were examined using structural equation modeling (SEM). The overall prevalence of child malnutrition, measured using the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure, was 49%, with notable variation across agroecosystems (from 36.1% [midland with red soil] to 59% [lowland and valley fragmented]). Disease experience had significant positive direct effects on malnutrition. Dietary intake had negative and significant total (direct and indirect) effects on malnutrition, partially mediated through disease experience. Serial mediation in SEM analysis revealed significant indirect relationships between malnutrition and food security, feeding and care practices, household environment, health services, maternal diet, maternal empowerment, household wealth, and nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices. In conclusion, child malnutrition was highly prevalent and higher among children in the lowland and valley fragmented agroecosystem, characterized by unfavorable agro-climatic conditions, lower wealth status, poor health services access, and higher disease (particularly malaria) exposure. This study demonstrates the dynamics and multifaceted nature of malnutrition, highlighting the importance of considering geographical differences when planning interventions for childhood malnutrition and its determinants.

Prevalence of malnutrition in children in Narsingdi district, Bangladesh: An observational study

Background: A pathological condition called malnutrition arises when there is a relative or absolute lack or excess of one or more nutrients. In low-income nations, it is a serious public health issue for children under ten years. Malnutrition is a state of nutritional deficit brought on by insufficient consumption of protein or energy. Primary acute malnutrition in children is a prevalent condition in underdeveloped nations due to insufficient food supply resulting from social, economic, and environmental causes. An underlying illness that results in aberrant nutritional loss, increased energy expenditure, or decreased food intake is typically the cause of secondary acute malnutrition. Method: This was an observational, descriptive study conducted in Bangladesh's Narsingdi area from September to October 2023. All records of children with complications of malnutrition, between the ages of 2 and 10 were included in the study. Result: 142 children fall in the category of underweight, 166 children possess suitable BMI and 8 of them were heavyweight with BMI more than 23. Nearly one third of the children faces physical problems some times in their life time. Among all of the children 139 (43.98%) had perfect physical status with good health and diarrhea is the most common problem they caught by 118 respondents. Conclusion: In the district, its severity and prevalence can be decreased with increased community knowledge and stronger preventive efforts.

Prevalence of malnutrition in children under five years old in Beira city, Mozambique, 2019

Resumo Objetivos: descrever a prevalência da má nutrição (baixo peso, baixa estatura e excesso de peso) em crianças de seis a 59 meses e sua distribuição espacial na cidade de Beira, Moçambique. Métodos: estudo transversal exploratório, realizado entre outubro e novembro de 2019, incluindo 407 crianças de seis a 59 meses. O cálculo da amostra foi baseado na prevalência do déficit estatura/idade. Os dados antropométricos foram analisados no Anthro e a prevalência de má nutrição apresentada por meio de mapas temáticos no Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS). Resultados: os principais resultados mostram uma prevalência de 27,0% de baixa estatura/idade, 7,9% de baixo peso/estatura e 4,7% de excesso de peso. Conclusões: a distribuição espacial evidenciou que as áreas urbanas e periurbanas da cidade apresentavam prevalências similares das três formas de má nutrição. A prevalência da má nutrição em Beira é alta, embora o déficit estatura/idade seja a sua maior expressão, estando o excesso de peso difusamente distribuído.

[Temporal trend in the prevalence of malnutrition in children under five assisted by the Brazilian Income Transfer Program (2008-2019)].

This study aimed to analyze the temporal trend of malnutrition in children aged under five years assisted by the Brazilian Income Transfer Program from 2008 to 2019, by exploring regional inequalities and seeking to determine the impact of the economic and political crises aggravated in 2014, and the government's adherence to fiscal austerity policies on the trend. The analyses were performed using aggregated data from infants (0-23 months) and preschoolers (24-59 months), extracted from the Brazilian Food and Nutritional Surveillance System (SISVAN) assisted by the Brazilian Income Transfer Program (n = 34,272,024). Trends were analyzed using generalized linear models with age-specific mixed effects (negative binomial distribution and log linkage function). The regional inequalities were analyzed based on the grouping of Federative Units according to the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and the influence of crises and austerity policies on the prevalence of malnutrition by the interaction between "year" and "crisis" (2008-2013 vs. 2014-2019). There was a reduction in the prevalence of child malnutrition until mid-2013, when the trends became stationary for preschoolers and upward for infants. There was also a higher risk of malnutrition in Federative Units with medium- and high-social vulnerability, when compared to those with low-social vulnerability. The inflection points in the trends corroborate the hypothesis that the political and economic crises, and the governmental responses to these crises, negatively impacted the nutritional status of children in poverty and extreme poverty in Brazil.

The status of research on malnutrition among children under 5 years in Southern Africa: a systematic review

Malnutrition rates remain alarming with stunting declining too slowly while wasting still impacts the lives of many young children. Globally, 5.6 million children die before their fifth birthday annually, with 80% of these deaths occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.  A total of 29 most relevant articles were included, which followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses for protocols (PRISMA-P). The literature search was conducted in multiple electronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Research Gate. A large proportion of the literature focused on determining factors associated with malnutrition. Similarities were found amongst various articles with findings highlighting household food insecurity as a major threat that leads to inadequate feeding practices and consequently resulting in undernutrition. This review assessed the state of knowledge on malnutrition in Southern Africa. The authors identified knowledge gaps that should be considered for future research. We did not come across any evaluation studies assessing food security interventions in response to malnutrition. Moreover, sanitation in relation to malnutrition is not broadly researched. We recommend future studies to apply a cross-sectional analytic design with mixed methods, combining survey data, geographical data, household and key informant interviews. There is a need to map the prevalence of malnutrition in children under five years and providing more knowledge on vulnerability and contexts that influence malnutrition including socio-economic, environmental and infrastructural conditions. We further recommend the use of GIS databases to generate information on spatio-temporal patterns of malnutrition.

Nutritional status associated with clinical outcomes in children with solid tumors: A retrospective cohort study from China.

To investigate the long-term changes in nutritional status in children with solid tumors during treatment and the relationship between nutritional status and clinical outcomes. This study was a retrospective medical records review of data from children who were diagnosed with solid tumors and followed up for more than 3 months from January 2016 to December 2021 in China. Patient demographics and clinical information, including nutritional status, parenteral nutrition use, intensive care unit (ICU) transfers, infection during hospitalization, hospitalization frequency, length of stay, hospitalization costs and antibiotic costs, were collected to analyze the nutritional status of children with different types of solid tumors, the dynamic changes in nutritional status during treatment, and the relationship between nutritional status and clinical outcomes. Among the 764 patients (383 males (50.1%); 381 females (49.9%); mean age: 2.58 years), 41.6% of the solid tumors were neuroblastomas, 17.1% were hepatoblastomas, and Wilms tumors as the third most common solid tumors (8.9%). The median follow-up duration was 6 months (range: 3-40 months). At diagnosis, the proportion of children who were undernourished (underweight and wasting) versus overweight or obese were 26.71% versus 5.21% (25.86% vs. 2.89% in the third month; 29.77% vs. 2.28% in the sixth month; 24.77% vs. 3.27% in the 12th month). The body mass index Z scores decreased from the initial values after the first month (-0.56 (-1.47, 0.23) vs. -0.44 (-1.29, 0.41)) but improved later and decreased again at 6 months. The children in the undernutrition group had longer hospital stays (p < 0.001), higher hospitalization costs (p < 0.001), higher antibiotic costs (p < 0.001), a higher risk of neutropenia (OR = 4.781 (95% CI: 1.571-14.553), p = 0.006), and a higher risk of ICU transfers (OR = 1.498 (95% CI: 1.010-2.224), p = 0.044). No significant differences in those associations by malnutrition and infection, ICU duration, or length of parenteral nutrition were observed. There is a considerable prevalence of malnutrition in children with solid tumors. Malnutrition is related to adverse clinical outcomes and increases in total hospital expenses and antibiotic costs.

Prevalence of malnutrition and its impact on outcomes in children with cancer in a South African setting

Background. Malnutrition in children with cancer is a common problem, especially in developing countries. Determination of nutritional status on admission and during treatment is crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality. Objectives. This study reports the prevalence of malnutrition in children with cancer and its impact on outcomes. Methods. A retrospective study identified newly diagnosed children with cancer between January 2017 and June 2018 at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH), an academic hospital in South Africa (SA). The cohort comprised 139 patients. Demographic, anthropometric and outcome data were collected from the hospital electronic database. World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were applied to classify nutritional status. The impact of nutritional status on mortality, length of hospital stay and infection status in the first year was assessed. Results. The prevalence of malnutrition in our cohort of 139 patients was 31.7% (17.3% wasted, 7.2% stunted and 7.2% wasted and stunted). There was a higher incidence of wasting in children with solid tumours than those with haematological malignancies although this was not statistically significant (21.2% v. 7.7% respectively, p-value 0.242). No significant difference in early mortality, length of hospital stay or rate of infection was noted in malnourished patients compared with well-nourished patients. Conclusion. The prevalence of malnutrition in our cohort with cancer was high but not associated with an increased risk of mortality, hospital stay or infection. A larger sample size using a combination of arm- and weight/height-based anthropometry is recommended to confirm these findings.

Visualisasi Data Malnutrisi Anak Di Asia Menggunakan Looker Studio Serta Analisis Data Dengan Metode ANOVA

Child malnutrition is a serious problem involving complex factors in various countries. The level of the economy in a country is one of the factors that influences the occurrence of this problem. Using data obtained from the data UNICEF site on Child Malnutrition, this study involved processing the data to create a data visualization in the form of a dashboard. This dashboard is able to provide information on the prevalence of child malnutrition and its geographic distribution patterns in the Asian region by utilizing the Looker Studio platform. In addition, this study was also conducted to analyze the effect of state income classification on the percentage of child malnutrition that occurs. The use of the ANOVA analysis method in this study is the basis for answering research questions related to analysis. The stages carried out in this study were Data Collection, Data Preprocessing, data analysis using the ANOVA method, and data visualization. The result of this study is a data visualization in the form of an informative dashboard, as well as the results of the analysis showing that there is a significant effect of the classification of state income on the percentage of child malnutrition in that country. This study provides important insights into the problem of child malnutrition in Asia in a visual form and provides results of statistical significance, indicating that there is a significant relationship or influence between the classification of national income and the percentage of child malnutrition that occurs in that country, not just a coincidence.

Prevalence of malnutrition in children with congenital heart disease

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 children diagnosed with CHD who were being managed in pediatric cardiology clinics. As part of the study, various anthropometric measurements such as height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were recorded for each child. The assessment of malnutrition was determined based on the Z score, where a Z score below -2 denoted moderate to severe malnutrition, and a Z score below -1 indicated mild malnutrition. Results: There were 300 participants in the research who had been diagnosed with congenital cardiac disease, and 59% of them were men. The median age ranged from 17.8 to 14 months. The study population had an overall malnutrition prevalence of 86.7%.  13.3% of the total individuals were malnourished-free, 27% had minor malnutrition, 36.6% had middle-range malnutrition, and 23% had severe malnutrition. Analysis of group 1, which included patients with cyanotic illness and pulmonary hypertension, revealed that all of the patients were malnourished. 6.6% of the individuals in this category had moderate malnutrition, whereas 93.3% had severe malnutrition. Patients in Group 2 had cyanotic illness but no pulmonary hypertension.

How food preparation and food choice influence the nutritional growth of children: a rising matter for the nutritionists and dietitians in Nigeria.

This current work describes how the nutritionists and dietitians in Nigeria to tackle the nutritional deficiencies among the under-5 children in Nigeria due to poor food preparation by the parents and caregivers as well as how the food is chosen for these children. Studies have shown that the resultant effects of poor food preparation and the skewness of food choices on particularly the more vulnerable group of under-5s are malnutrition. According to the State of the World's Children, published by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, the prevalence of child malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, is particularly high. Thus, it is high time for the nutritionists and dietitians in Nigeria to step up their advocacy, community sensitization, and awareness campaigns on appropriate diet and approach to food issues, especially on how food is prepared by most Nigerian parents and caregivers, and also work on their decision-making process governing the food choices they make for their children.

Prevalence and assessment of child malnutrition in South Asia

Abstract Background: Child malnutrition has been a major social problem in South Asia. Throughout the twentieth century, with aid from international food and health-related agencies and through government interventions, there has been a reduction in child malnutrition in this region. However, South Asia is burdened with a high prevalence of malnourished children in the world. About one hundred million children suffer from malnutrition-related issues. The present study has attempted to assess the conditions of child malnutrition in South Asia. Materials and Methods: The present study is based on secondary data from various sources such as the World Bank, WHO, and UNICEF databases. The study is categorized into three sections. The first section lays out the malnutrition trends in South Asia. It highlights the data on how the Stunting, Wasting, and obesity problems are changing in South Asia from 2000 to the present. The second section outlines the causes of child malnutrition in South Asia. It will focus on determinants of child malnutrition, mother’s literacy, family income, and social inequities. The third section elaborates on the United Nations (UN) system interventions. Results: There has been a consistent reduction in the prevalence of child malnutrition from the twentieth century to the twenty-first century; however, there is still a significant number of children and women under malnutrition; there is a demand for optimal nutrition at every stage of life. The effects of malnutrition are associated with less development physical and psychological; there is a risk even to the life of the child; it is also associated with the socio-economic development of the child. Thus, it affects the child’s future and the nation’s future. Conclusion: Finally, the paper concludes by recommending greater synergy among the food system, water and sanitation system, health system, education system, and social protection system.

Utility of Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatric Patients with Chronic Liver Disease.

Approximately 30% of children with chronic liver disease (CLD) are malnourished. However, proper assessment of their nutritional status is difficult. The subjective global nutritional assessment (SGNA) is a comprehensive approach that uses nutrition-focused history and examination, followed by grading of malnourishment. We aimed to study the prevalence of malnutrition in children with CLD using the SGNA tool. This cross-sectional observational study included patients aged <18 years with CLD. Nutritional assessments were recorded using SGNA tool. Conventional anthropometric measurements were performed and corroborated with nutritional status using SGNA tool. A total of 85 children with CLD and mean age of 62 months were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of malnourished children according to SGNA was 34%; 22% were moderately malnourished and 12% were severely malnourished. We found statistically significant differences in anthropometric parameters among the three groups. A moderate degree of agreement was found between SGNA and weight-for-age (W/A) (p=0.020), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) (p<0.001), and triceps skin-fold thickness (TSF)-for-age (p=0.029). Furthermore, a fair degree of agreement was found between height-for-age (H/A) (p=0.001) and weight-for-height (W/H) (p<0.001). The sensitivity of W/A for detecting malnutrition was 93%, H/A was 90%, MUAC was 86%, and TSF was 88%. The sensitivity was much lower for W/H and body mass index for age (55% for both). In our study, more than one-third of children with CLD were malnourished. Nutritional assessment using SGNA is a reliable method for evaluating nutritional status and is significantly correlated with common anthropometric measurements.

Nutritional knowledge and practices of mothers/caregivers and its impact on the nutritional status of children 6–59 months in Sefwi Wiawso Municipality, Western-North Region, Ghana

BackgroundGood maternal/caregiver nutrition knowledge protects the child from events that lead to low weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) and low height-for-age z-score (HAZ). Indicators of good child nutritional status have traditionally been low in cocoa-growing areas. This paper aimed to explore the relationship between maternal nutrition knowledge and practices and its effect on the nutritional status of children 6–59 months in the Sefwi Wiawso municipality; a predominant cocoa-growing area in Ghana. MethodologyA cross-sectional study design was used to assess nutrition knowledge, nutritional practices of mothers and dietary adequacy and nutritional status of their children using 24-hour dietary recall and anthropometric measures. ResultsA total of 226 caregiver-child pairs were recruited for the study. The level of nutritional knowledge was average (61.5%) among caregivers/mothers. Most caregivers (92.3%) initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour of giving birth. A total of 66% of mothers practiced exclusive breastfeeding. Complementary feeding was initiated at 6 months in 83.6% of the cases. The prevalence of underweight, wasting, and stunting were 8.29%, 10.23%, and 16.74% respectively. There was no significant association between mother/caregiver's nutrition knowledge and child malnutrition status although the risk of wasting reduced with increasing nutritional knowledge of caregivers (p = 0.118). ConclusionThere was no association between maternal nutrition knowledge and the nutritional status of children even though wasting showed a pattern of decrease with increasing nutritional knowledge. The prevalence of malnutrition in children in the study was comparatively lower than the national average. Underweight was statistically significantly higher in children whose mothers/caregivers were farmers hence appropriate nutrition education with a focus on infant and young child feeding practices should be promoted during antennal care and child welfare clinic services within these communities. Family planning services targeted particularly at teenage girls should be instituted to prevent teenage pregnancies as malnutrition is more likely to occur in children born to teenage mothers.

MALNUTRITION IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH LOW RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS AT NATIONAL LUNG HOSPITAL, VIETNAM

Aims: To determine the nutritional status and the dietary intake of inpatient children with lower respiratory infections. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 106 children aged under 5 years admitted to the Pediatric Department of the National Lung Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam, from August to December 2018. Body weight, height/length were measured; nutritional status was evaluated by using World Health Organization criteria and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). Dietary intake was daily recorded during the first week of hospitalization. Results: The prevalence of malnutrition was 30.1%,  25.7%, and 17.8%  respectively for underweight, stunting and wasting. According to the SGA, 20% of the patients were at risk for malnutrition.  From the first day to seventh day of hospitalization, the rate of chidlren given 100% of requirement had a fluctuating upward trend from 30% to 40% in energy intake and from 66% to 84% in protein intake; the rates of energy intake under 80% of requirement were from 31% to 54% in patients, while the rates of protein intake over 1.5-fold requirement were from 37% to 50% in patients. Conclusions: The study indicated the alarmingly high prevalence of malnutrition in children aged under 5 years and the contrast between under energy intake and over protein intake in the hospitalized children.

Risk factors of malnutrition among preschool children in Sulaimani governorate/Iraq

Background: The prevalence of childhood malnutrition is relatively high among children in developing nations, and it is a multifaceted problem. It is necessary to identify the key contributing factors to malnutrition in the target population in order to put control and prevention measures in place and lower the chances of malnutrition. The purpose of this study is to determine the characteristics of undernourished children under the age of five and the risk factors causing malnutrition, in Sulaimani governorate/Iraq. Methods: A case control study was conducted in the maternal and child health clinics in four health centers of Sulaimani, Iraq from October 2021 to April 2022.Case was a child with moderate to severe malnutrition with z-scores < −2SD and > +2SD from the median of WHO reference. Control was a child without malnutrition with z-scores between -2SD and +2SD and the age matched with cases. Direct interviews with the mother of each child were conducted, and the weight and height of each child were measured. We gathered information on socioeconomic features, environmental aspects, child characteristics, caregiver methods and resources. Results: A total of 293 children (74 cases and 219 controls) were selected. The majority (34.8 and 79.1%) of the children in the study were in the age group of 24-35 to 12-23 months in case and control groups respectively. After adjusting all confounders, Mother Visit to ANC during pregnancy and method of child delivery are two of childhood significant associations with malnutrition. Conclusion: promoting birth spacing and utilization of parental visit to health centers is the need of the hour for preventing the occurrence of malnutrition among preschool children. Because of the mother visit to ANC centers and family planning were some of the significant determinants of malnutrition that were found in the study.

Biochemical and Anthropometric Nutritional Assessment in Children Infected with COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome has led to a pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Malnutrition either biochemically or anthropometrically is a well-known risk factor for COVID-19 and may be the vice versa&#x0D; Objectives  : To investigate the prevalence of malnutrition in children infected with COVID-19 through evaluating the nutritional biomarkers such as serum electrolytes, serum albumin and hemoglobin together with the anthropometric assessment. &#x0D; Methods: A cross sectional study that was conducted at ElMatria Teaching Hospital for all children admitted with confirmed COVID-19 over a period of 6 months from 1st February 2021 to the end of July, 2021. Nutritional biochemical evaluation included serum electrolytes particularly   the potassium and other nutritional biomarkers such  as serum albumin and hemoglobin. Nutritional anthropometric evaluation depended on BMI (body mass index), the height/length, weight for length and weight for height..The prevalence of malnutrition esp. hypokalemia was the main outcome.&#x0D; Results: Hypokalemia was present in 21.8% of the study participants . Other nutritional biomarkers were found  as hyponatremia, hypocalcemia , hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia were detected in 49.1% , 38.2%,21.8% and 34.5%  of the study subjects respectively. Anthropometric malnutrition was present in most of the enrolled children with COVID-19 in the study (65.5 %  (n= 36) )through which overweight and obese children occupied a greater percentage.&#x0D; Conclusion: Malnutrition either biochemically or anthropometrically could be linked to   COVID-19 in children. COVID-19 could have negative outcomes on the nutritional status such as electrolytes disturbances. Both malnutrition and COVID-19 are considered synergistic associations  &#x0D; Keywords: Malnutrition. COVID-19. Children. Hypokalemia. Obesity

Prevalence of malnutrition among children under five years in Babylon Government, Iraq

Background: since 2003, Iraq's fragile geopolitical situation has harmed people's health, especially children. Some factors may have an impact on a child's nutritional status. The research goal is to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among children aged 6 to 59 months in a comprehensive sample of children in Babylon. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study focuses on the prevalence of malnutrition in children under the age of five at primary health care centers in Al- Hilla city's urban and rural areas. From November 1st, 2021, the research will take time until March 1st, 2022. After receiving their permission, the data was obtained using an auto-self questionnaire with a series of questions and an interview with moms and children. This interview lasts 10–15 minutes for each kid and is used to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in childhood. The prevalence of severe wasting (1.3%), underweight (1.3%), stunting (6.5%), and severe stunting (5.2%) was seen in both genders. The total prevalence of malnutrition among children under the age of five was determined to be 14.3%. 

Changes in household food security, access to health services and income in northern Lao PDR during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey

ObjectivesWe assessed the relative difficulty in meeting food needs during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with before; determined the relationship between pandemic-associated difficulties in food access and household, maternal and child...

Inovasi Kebijakan Pengembangan Kota Layak Anak Tangerang Selatan

This study aims to determine the Development of South Tangerang City Government (Tangsel) Policy implementing the Ministerial Regulation of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection of the Republic of Indonesia Number 11 of 2011 concerning Child Friendly City Development Policies. The research uses a descriptive qualitative approach, which explains the phenomenon in depth through data collection. This descriptive research provides an accurate and objective description and explanation of the actual state of the object under study. The theory used is the theory of public policy making according to Metter and Horn. The results showed that the development of South Tangerang Child Friendly City in general went well. Among them are shown by the achievement of basic health and welfare, the large number of breastfeeding facilities, the high percentage of complete basic immunization for children, the low prevalence of malnutrition in children under five, the low infant mortality rate (IMR), and the active and successful Adolescent Reproductive Health Counseling Information Center.