Prevalence Of Underweight Children Research Articles

Socioeconomic inequalities in underweight children: a cross-sectional analysis of trends in West Africa over two decades

ObjectiveTo study trends in socioeconomic inequalities in underweight children in West Africa, and specifically to analyse the concentration index of underweight inequalities and measure inequalities in the risk of being...

Underweight in the first 2 years of life and nutrition risk in later childhood: a prospective cohort study.

Children with underweight in the first 2 years have lower body mass index z-score (zBMI) and height-for-age z-score (HAZ) in later childhood. It is not known if underweight in the first 2 years is associated with nutrition risk in later childhood. (1) Determine the relationship between underweight (zBMI < -2) in the first 2 years and nutrition risk measured by the Nutrition Screening for Toddlers and Preschoolers (NutriSTEP) score from 18 months to 5 years. (2) Explore the relationship between underweight in the first 2 years and the NutriSTEP subscores for eating behaviours and dietary intake from 18 months to 5 years. This was a prospective study, including healthy full-term children in Canada aged 0-5 years. zBMI was calculated using measured heights and weights and the WHO growth standards. NutriSTEP score was measured using a parent-completed survey and ranged from 0 to 68. Nutrition risk was defined as a score ≥21. Linear mixed effects models were used. Four thousand nine hundred twenty-nine children were included in this study. At enrolment, 51.9% of participants were male. The prevalence of underweight children was 8.8%. Underweight in the first 2 years was associated with higher NutriSTEP (0.79, 95% CI: 0.29,1.29), higher eating behaviour subscore (0.24, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.46) at 3 years and higher odds of nutrition risk (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.07,1.82) at 5 years. Children with underweight in the first 2 years had higher nutrition risk in later childhood. Further research is needed to understand the factors which influence these relationships.

ESTIMATION OF A BI-RESPONSE TRUNCATED SPLINE NONPARAMETRIC REGRESSION MODEL ON LIFE EXPECTANCY AND PREVALENCE OF UNDERWEIGHT CHILDREN IN INDONESIA

Researchers use the nonparametric regression method because it provides excellent flexibility in the modeling process. Nonparametric regression procedures can be used if the relationship pattern between the predictor and response variables is unknown. The truncated spline method is one of the most frequently used nonparametric regression methods. A truncated spline is a polynomial slice with continuous segmented properties, and the resulting curve is relatively smooth. The advantage of truncated splines is that they can be used on data that experience behavior changes at specific intervals. The nonparametric spline truncated bi-response regression approach is used when one or more predictor variables affect the two response variables with the assumption that there is a correlation between the response variables. This study aimed to obtain the best spline truncated bi-response nonparametric regression model on life expectancy data and the prevalence of underweight children in Indonesia in 2021. The data used comes from the Central Bureau of Statistics and the Indonesian Ministry of Health. The optimal knot point selection method uses the Generalized Cross Validation (GCV) method. The results showed that the best model formed was obtained using three-knot points based on a minimum GCV value of 22.77 and a coefficient of determination of 99.58%.

Climate variability, armed conflicts and child malnutrition in sub-saharan Africa: A spatial analysis in Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria

BackgroundSub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has one of the highest prevalence of malnutrition among children under 5 in the world. It is also the region most vulnerable to the adverse effect of climate change, and the one that records the most armed conflicts. The chains of causality suggested in the literature on the relationship between climate change, armed conflict, and malnutrition have rarely been supported by empirical evidence for SSA countries. MethodsThis study proposes to highlight, under the hypothesis of spatial non-stationarity, the influence of climatic variations and armed conflicts on malnutrition in children under 5 in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria. To do this, we use spatial analysis on data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), Uppsala Conflict Data Program Georeferenced Event Dataset (UCDP GED), Climate Hazards center InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). ResultsThe results show that there is a spatial autocorrelation of malnutrition measured by the prevalence of underweight children in the three countries. Also, local geographically weighted analysis shows that armed conflict, temperature and rainfall are positively associated with the prevalence of underweight children in localities of Somali in Ethiopia, Mandera and Turkana of Wajir in Kenya, Borno and Yobe in Nigeria. ConclusionIn conclusion, the results of our spatial analysis support the implementation of conflict-sensitive climate change adaptation strategies.

Factors associated with Childhood Anthropometric Measurements in Nepal: A Provincial-Level Analysis Based on NDHS Data 2016

The study assesses the prevalence of and factors affecting the anthropometric measurements i.e. stunting-WAZ, wasting-WHZ and underweight-WAZ each below -2 SD from the median of the reference population, among children below 5 years of age group in newly structured seven Provinces of Nepal by different background characteristics using Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) Data, 2016. Anthropometric indicators are far worse in Madhesh and Karnali provinces than the national average. The highest share of stunted children is in Karnali Province whose size at birth is very small (70.0%) against the national average of 36 percent. Children in the poorest quintile and born from illiterate mothers of Madhesh Province and Karnali Province have highly suffered from stunting. Data shows that children born to illiterate mothers are highly wasted in Madhesh Province (23.8%). Underweight increased with an increase in the age of the children; increases with birth order in all Provinces. Except for Gandaki Province, underweight is more common in rural areas than in urban areas. The prevalence of underweight children is the highest in the poorest quintile of Madhesh Province i. e. 50 percent as compared to the national average of 27 percent. High birth order has significantly contributed to worsening childhood nutrition. The statistical test infers that childhood stunting and underweight are in aggregate strongly related to all variables except sex while wasting is strongly associated with only children’s age and their mother’s education. The author suggests applying provincial policies and programs based on the findings to tackle their poor anthropometric indicators.

Poshan Sanjha Chulah approach: impact on nutrition status of children aged 6-59 months in urban slum of Bhopal city

Background: The National Family Health Survey-5 reveals the prevalence of stunting 35.5%, underweight 32.1%, and wasting 19.3% among under 5 children. Madhya Pradesh reported stunting, underweight, and wasting 37.5%, 33%, and 19% respectively which is higher than national average.Methods: A community based approach “Poshan Sanjha Chulah (PSC)” was introduced to address underweight among the children of Bhopal Urban slums, Madhya Pradesh. PSC programme aimed at achieving weight gain by 400 gm in a month and 900 gm by the end of 3rd month. Additional energy 600-800 kcal, protein 25-27 gm, and iron-10 mg and other nutrients were provided during this programme. The counselling visits were made to children in every 15 days until 3 months followed by monthly visits until 12 months by community health workers.Results: The PSC Programme was implemented in the communities with the prevalence of underweight children more than 30 percent. This study was conducted on 224 children which includes 39 (7.5%) severe underweight and 185 (35.5%) moderate underweight children. At the end of the PSC programme the mean weight gain was 328 gm for all children. In a period of 6 months, the boys and girls gained mean weight of 2325 gm and 2225 gm respectively. The highest weight gain was observed in the age group of 13-24 months on the 12th day. At the end of 6th month 164 children (73.2%) graduated to normal nutrition category (≥-2 SD).Conclusions: Underweight has become a major concern of public health particularly in developing countries. Prevalence of underweight not only indicates the poor nutritional status of children but also reflects the poor socio-economic condition of the families.

STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF MOTHERS ABOUT NUTRITION STATUS FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS IN CENTRAL INDIA

BACKGROUND: Nutrition is one of the factors that can be used as a determinant of the quality of human resources. The number of malnourished sufferers in the world reaches 104 million children. The prevalence of underweight children is very high in the state of Madhya Pradesh. As per NFHS-4 data the prevalence of undernutrition in M. P. is 42.8%. METHODS: This study was an observational cross-sectional design. It was conducted from November 2019 to January 2020. The study population was mothers who had infants and or toddlers in Bhopal city of M. P. The sampling was carried out using random sampling with inclusion criteria of mothers who have infants and or toddlers residing in Bhopal M. P. Based on the established inclusion and exclusion criteria, a sample of 300 was obtained. The research instrument was a questionnaire. Statistical tests were performed using chi-square test. RESULTS: Chi-square test results showed a signicant value (p&lt;0.05), which means that there is signicant relationship between maternal knowledge of maternal attitudes about nutritional status in infants and toddlers. The risk ratio value is 2.33 (&gt;1) and the CI value between 1.083 and 4.897 so that it does not exceed 1, meaning that the knowledge of mothers which is not really good is at risk of 2.33 times compared to mothers who have good knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge is a risk factor for maternal attitudes about nutritional status in infants and toddlers but it is not statistically signicant.

Socio-demographic determinants of undernutrition of preschool children attending anganwadis in rural ICDS block, North Kerala

Child growth and health is recognized as an important public health indicator for monitoring nutritional status and health in a population.1. To study the socio demographic profile of the preschool children (3-6years) attending anganwadis in Kunnamangalam. 2. To study the association between socioeconomic status and undernutrition.A cross sectional study was done among 30 anganwadis from June 2014 to June 2015 by cluster sampling method. Data regarding socio demographic factors, prevalence of undernutrition were collected by using a pre tested semi structured questionnaire. Socio economic status of the study population was classified according to Modified Kuppu Swamy’s Scale. Education, Occupation and total monthly family income of the highest earning member was used for the stratification into various classes. Data analysed using SPSS version 16 software.Out of 300 children, 204 (68%) belonged to Upper lower strata, 74 (24.7%) were lower middle, 19 (6.3%) were upper middle and 3(1%) belonged to upper class. Prevalence of underweight children was significantly higher in children among those belonging to lower socioeconomic status.The study suggests to focus on preschool children for growth monitoring especially in low socioeconomic families, approaching them through the help of anganwadis, and educating mothers of low socioeconomic status on health on promoting program for underfives.

RELATIONSHIP OF PARENTING PATTERNS WITH INCIDENCE OF NUTRITION IN CHILDRENIN SUB-DISTRI BARAN TIMUR MERAL KARIMUN DISTRICTS

Background : Based on data from the Karimun District Health Office in 2017, there was 0.9% malnutrition, 4.8% malnutrition, and the prevalence of underweight children was 5.7%. Meanwhile, according to the Center for Data and Information, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia in 2017 the nutritional status of children under five to 59 months according to BW / U has 3.7% malnutrition, 14.0% malnutrition, 80.1% good nutrition and 2.1% over nutrition. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between maternal knowledge and parenting about the nutritional status of toddlers with the incidence of malnutrition in children under five in Baran Timur Village, Meral District, Karimun Regency. Method : This research used an analytical research design with a cross sectional design approach. Meral Karimun Regency. In this study, the population is all mothers who have toddlers aged 3-59 months who live in Baran Timur Village, Meral District, Karimun Regency as many as 460 people. The data is presented in the form of a cross table then the data is analyzed using the SPSS program (Social Science Program Statistics) through the chi-square statistical test using a significant level of 0.05 Result : from 82 respondents, it is found that 1 respondent (33.3%) with less parenting is malnutrition status, 1 respondent (33.3%) with poor parenting was malnourished and 1 respondent (33.3%) with insufficient parenting was good nutritional status. While 21 respondents (63.6%) with moderate parenting were good nutritional status and 41 respondents (89.1%) with good parenting were good nutritional status obtained a p value of 0.003

Impact of Oral Nutritional Supplement on Growth, Nutrient Intake and Frequency of Illness in Children aged 4-6 Years: A Randomised Controlled Study

Introduction: Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) and prevalence of under-weight children in India, is an important health concern. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Oral Nutritional Supplement (ONS) on growth, overall nutrient intake and frequency of illness in nutritionally at-risk Indian children. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, randomised, gender-stratified, controlled, parallel group, open label study, 216 children (aged 4-6 years with weight-for-age z-score between -2 and -1) were randomised (1:1) to receive either 45 g of ONS {Test product+Dietary advice (T+D)} or control group {Dietary advice only (D-only)} for three months. Primary endpoints included weight-for-age z-score and weight gain in terms of g/kg/day from baseline to three months. Secondary endpoints included change in height-for-age z-scores; frequency of illness, change in dietary nutrient intake and Protein/Energy (P/E) ratio from baseline through three months. Safety endpoint included Adverse Events (AEs). PROC MIXED was used to perform Repeated Measures Analysis Of Variance (RMANOVA) based on the changes in z-scores. The z-scores changes within the group from baseline to the end of three months End-of- Study (EOS) were compared using paired t-test. Results: At baseline, the mean (SD) weight-for-age z-scores were similar in both the groups {1.50 (0.309) and -1.49 (0.312) in T+D and D-only groups, respectively}. At the EOS, only T+D group showed significant mean (SD) change from baseline in weight-for-age z-score compared to the D-only group {0.59 (0.296), p&lt;0.001 vs. 0.04 (0.267), p=0.0974}. Mean rate of weight gain (g/kg/day) was significantly higher in T+D group vs. D-only group (1.12 vs. 0.26, p&lt;0.0001). At baseline, height-for-age z-scores were similar in both the groups {-1.36 (0.668) vs -1.37 (0.638) in T+D and D-only groups, respectively}. At EOS, the mean (SD) change from baseline in height-for-age z-score was -0.02 (0.198), p=0.2389 in T+D group and -0.15 (0.171), p&lt;0.001 in the D-only group. However, the change was not proportionate to weight-for-age z-score. Total absolute number of illness episodes was less in T+D group vs. D-only group (9 vs. 13). Improvement in dietary nutrient intake (carbohydrate, fat, protein and energy) and P/E ratio was significantly higher (p&lt;0.001) in T+D group vs. D-only group. Overall, 8.3% children in T+D group experienced at least one treatment-emergent AE. Conclusion: The ONS helps to improve growth, nutrient intake and reduces frequency of illness in nutritionally at-risk children.

Gambaran Pola Asuh dan Pola Makan Anak Usia 2-5 Tahun di Kelurahan Taipa Kecamatan Palu Utara

Children aged 2-5 years are one of the nutrition-prone groups, during this period a decline in growth rate, decreased growth followed by decreased appetite. Based on Riskesdas (2013), there were nutritional status problems in Central Sulawesi, including the prevalence of Stunting by 40%, prevalence of underfive malnutrition by 25%, prevalence of underweight toddlers by 15% and LBW (Low birth weight) by 18%. While the prevalence for the proportion of Stunting children in Palu according to Riskesdas Central Sulawesi in 2013 was 35%, the prevalence of underweight children was 12%, and for cases of malnutrition had a prevalence of 17%. The purpose of this study was to determine the description of parental and food patterns of children aged 2-5 years in Taipa District, North Palu District. This type of research is descriptive. The sample in this study were children aged 2-5 years totaling 77 toddlers. The sampling technique in this study uses the stratified random sampling method. The results showed that parental applied by parents to children is not authoritarian, not democratic and permissive. food sources of carbohydrates that are often consumed are rice, animal protein sources are catfish, chicken eggs, vegetables that are often consumed are Moringa vegetables. There is no fruit that is often consumed by children. The conclusion of this study is the parental applied by parents to children in Taipa Village, North Palu District, the most dominant is democratic parenting, where there are 71 parents who apply this type of fostering and food that is often consumed is rice, catfish, chicken egg and moringa vegetable.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Changes in nutritional status of children who lived in temporary shelters in Bhaktapur municipality after the 2015 Nepal earthquake

BackgroundThe nutritional status of children may deteriorate after natural disasters such as earthquakes. A 7.8 Richter scale earthquake struck Nepal in 2015 that affected 1.1 million children. Children whose homes were destroyed and had to live in temporary shelters were at risk of malnutrition. With the support of Nagasaki University School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health (TMGH) and Siddhi Memorial Hospital (SMH), we conducted a nutritional survey of under-5 children living in temporary shelters in Bhaktapur Municipality in 2015 immediately after the earthquake and a follow-up survey in 2017.ResultsWe found 591 under-5 children living in 22 temporary shelters in 2015. A total of 285 children were followed up and re-assessed in 2017. In a paired analysis (n = 285), the prevalence of underweight children increased from 10.9% in 2015 to 14.0% in 2017 (P < 0.001), stunting increased from 26.7 to 31.9% (P = 0.07), and wasting decreased from 4.2 to 2.5% (P = 0.19).ConclusionsChildren who lived in temporary shelters after the 2015 Nepal earthquake might be at increased risk of a deterioration in nutritional status.

The Prevalence of Low Weight in Children under 6 Years Old in Lordegan City in 2015-2016

Introduction: Human health is affected by heredity and environment. The issue of inheritance is of paramount importance, but the impacts of environmental factors and nutritional conditions sometimes go beyond the hereditary factors. Investigation of the status of child development is the most important criterion for identifying the health status. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of underweight children in Lordegan City during 2015-2016.&#x0D; Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was carried out on 900 children under 6 years of age in Lordegan in 2015-2016. Sampling was performed using two-stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using observation and interview by filling out a questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS.V 22 software, independent T-test, and Chi-Square tests at a significant level of 0.05.&#x0D; Results: In this study, 900 children were studied; 49% (441 persons) were female and 51% (459) were male. Of this number, 700 (77.7%) were of normal weight, 155 (17.3%) were moderately underweight, and 45 (5%) were severely underweight. The highest prevalence of malnutrition in boys and girls was at the age of 2 and 3 years, respectively.. Moreover, 91.1% of the population lived in the village, 8.4% lived in the city, and 0.5% were living in the suburbs and tribes. In this study, a significant relationship was found between illiteracy of parents, breakfast in the week, place of living, main meal per day, age of the child, number of children in the family, hospitalization of the child due to illness, maternal number of pregnancies, and low weight prevalence (p≤0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Regarding the results and their comparison with the standard weight, environmental factors can be effective in delaying weight gain. Therefore, educating health care and parental care for proper nutrition can lead to children's health at this stage of growth.

Challenges of Ensuring Food and Nutritional Security in Bihar

Ensuring food and nutrition security is a big challenge for India, given its huge population and high levels of poverty and malnutrition. Malnutrition among children is prevalent in almost all the states in India but Child malnutrition is a critical problem in Bihar, where the prevalence of underweight children is far worse than the Indian average and higher than any country in the world The level of agricultural performance or income have a strong and significant negative relationship with indices of under-nutrition among adults and children, a result suggesting that improvement of agricultural productivity can be a powerful tool to reduce under-nutrition across the vast majority of the population. The data from NFHS III reveals that nearly 50 per cent of children below 5 years of age are underweight and 20-35 per cent is stunted in the above states. Similarly, around 35 per cent or more of adult men and women of 15-49 years of age are found to be ‘thin’ in these states. MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF, 2008) classified various Indian states based on composite index of food insecurity and found that the eastern states such as Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand fell under the category of ‘very high’ food insecurity, while Bihar and Odisha were classified under ‘high’ food insecurity. The efficacy of Public Distribution System for distribution of rice, wheat, sugar etc and a responsibility of both State and central Government is crucial in addition access to sanitation facilities and women’s literacy are also strong factors affecting malnutrition. Access to healthcare for women and child-care practices, in particular breast- feeding within 1 hour after birth, are other important determinants of malnutrition among adults and children. Malnutrition is a multidimensional problem that requires multisectoral interventions. However, improvements in agriculture alone cannot be effective in combating malnutrition if several other mediating factors are not in place. Interventions to improve education, health, sanitation and household infrastructure, and care and feeding practices are critical. Innovative strategies that integrate agriculture and nutrition programs stand a better chance of combating the malnutrition problem.

Evaluation of nutritional status of children aged 5-14 years in rural areas of Kanpur

Background: Despite India's 50% increase in GDP since 1991, more than one third of the world's malnourished children live in India. The prevalence of underweight children in India is among the highest in the world. In this endeavor, we have under-taken empirical research to evaluate the nutritional status of children aged 5-14 years and to improve nutritional status of children living in rural areas of Kanpur.Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted amongst children aged 5-14 years in rural area of Kanpur. Children were examined clinically and height and weight were measured following standard procedures. MS Excel and Interactive statistics page were used for analysis of data.Results: Mean age of subjects (in years) was 10.09±2.57 and 9.43±2.42 of males and females respectively. Prevalence of underweight was 39.4%; underweight female (41.1%) and males (38.1%). Prevalence of stunting was 27.8%; girls 36.8% and males 20.3%. Thinness (BMI for age/sex &lt;-2SD) was found in 26.6% of children. The prevalence of pallor was found in 27.5% subjects with Thinness. This association was found statistically significant (X2=6.250, p=0.001). Dental carries was found in 49 (13.61%) but in subjects with BMI &lt; -2SD (thinness), 23 out of 92 had dental carries. This association was found statistically significant (X2=13.632, p=0.001).Conclusions: The problem of underweight is still high in rural areas. Total 27.8% children were stunted showing chronic malnutrition. This needs to be tackled through adequate nutrition and health education. Nearly 40 percent of the children were under-weight; an acute condition if not corrected at earlier stage may progress to severe form of malnutrition.

Malnutrition in children and its determinants: a study from east India

Malnutrition continues to be a major killer of children, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries such as India. An ecological study was undertaken to correlate different demographic factors with the prevalence of underweight children. Based on findings from the National Family Health Survey 4 (2015-2016), 81 districts were analysed from three states in the eastern part of India. The findings suggest that female literacy (r = -0.556) and improved sanitation (r = -0.741) reduces the burden of malnutrition. Regarding childbirth, four antenatal visits (ANC), institutional deliveries, full immunisation, early breast feeding and adequate diet also reduce the degree of malnutrition among children. For preventing malnutrition, emphasis should be laid on improving social determinants and maternal health awareness.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of mothers regarding nutrition of under-five children: A cross-sectional study in rural settings

Background: Nutrition of the under-five children is of greatest importance because the foundation of our lifetime health, strength, intelligence, and vitality is laid during this period. Our country faces the burden of diseases in which nutritional deficiencies are the most common. The prevalence of underweight children in India is among the highest in the world. Knowledge of mothers has an important role in the maintenance of nutritional status of the children. For this mother has to be made more aware about feeding practices of children and other health-care practices. Objective: This study was undertaken with an aim to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of mothers regarding nutrition of under-five children and prevention of malnutrition. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among 300 mothers with under-five children. A structured questionnaire based on KAP survey guidelines, previous studies, but relevant to local context was developed. The KAP questionnaire comprised three parts which assessed the KAP regarding nutrition of under-five children and prevention of malnutrition. Results: A total of 300 mothers were enrolled in the study. Majority of mothers had fair to good KAP regarding nutrition of under-five children and prevention of malnutrition. Conclusion: Adequate knowledge of mothers regarding dietary patterns of under-five children will enhance the attitude and practice to prevent malnutrition.

KAMPANYE GIZI SEIMBANG MELALUI KESENIAN RABAB

ABSTRACT&#x0D; The prevalence of underweight children under five in Indonesia is still high, compared to the target of Indonesia's MDGs of 18.5% West Sumatra is still below the target. Health problems can not only be solved by the government, but community involvement is required, therefore the potential needs to be mobilized. Rabab is a traditional Minangkabau traditional string instrument made from coconut shell. With this rabab can be channeled one's musical talents. Usually in this rabab narrated a variety of nagari stories or known by the term Kaba.merupakan a traditional theater that is populist in Minangkabau area, West Sumatra. Research with qualitative approach with research strategy "Case Study Research (CSR)" with descriptive case study. The study was planned to be conducted on 10 (ten) rabab players active in the Balai Selasa, Pesisir Selatan District. Most informants stated that the balanced nutrition message can be compiled into story through Rabab, almost all informants stated that balanced nutrition messages can be prepared according to the language of the community local, most informants stated that the message of balanced nutrition can be compiled according to the dialeg minang community, most informants stated that the message of balanced nutrition can be compiled by summarizing information in simple form, Rabab as a regional art that has the potential Minangkabau have the potential to campaign balanced nutrition in achieve optimal health for children under five and family. It is recommended to review the balanced nutrition messages for the various ages of the community through Rabab art, to examine the influence of Rabab arts interventions on the knowledge, attitude and actions of people of all ages on balanced nutrition, to formulate strategies for the development of Rabab art through the preparation of scenarios for changes in community behavior about balanced nutrition.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: nutrition, rabab

Nutritional status of children in a well-child clinic in Lagos, Nigeria

The burden of malnutrition is evident around the world and more pronounced in developing countries affecting vulnerable groups such as infants, children under five years of age and pregnant women. This study assessed the nutritional status of infants and children aged 9-59 months who visited a well-child clinic at a teaching hospital in Lagos Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 207 children consecutively recruited at a well-child clinic in 2013. Data was collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Information collected includes the sociodemographic details of each child and caregiver. In addition, selected anthropometric measurements, biochemical tests comprising serum ferritin and total blood protein levels as well as dietary information for each child participant were obtained by trained data collectors. The sampled children were aged 9-59 months, with slightly over half (53.6%) being 12 months old and above. There were more female children and the number of Fathers 84.1%who had attained tertiary education was higher (84.1%) than that of mothers (76.3%). Serum protein and ferritin levels were less than the normal reference values in 1.8% and 26.2% of the children respectively, while the prevalence of underweight children was 4.9% and 8.1% of the children were overweight based on weight-for-age z-scores. Results from the dietary survey showed that the children consumed fewer proteins than carbohydrates. Furthermore, only 18.8% and 12.6% of parents reported feeding their children fruits and vegetables. Significantly more mothers (97.5%) with tertiary education had children with normal weight for age (P<0.05). Despite the low prevalence of malnutrition among the sampled population, it was found that consumption of fruits and vegetables was low, yet these are major sources of vital micronutrients. Results indicated that the prevalence of malnutrition among the study group was generally low. Therefore, steps must be taken to ensure nutrition specific and nutrition sensitive intervention programs aimed at improving the nutritional status of children Key words : Nutritional status, assessment, children, weight, ferritin, protein, diet, malnutrition, clinic

Malnutrition in Developing Countries: Role of Agriculture and Trading

The changeable history of the fight against hunger is as old as humanity whose populations had to adapt again and again to changing environmental conditions, epidemics and other adversities. For the first time since the beginnings of agriculture, humanity now has the means at its disposal to overcome world hunger. Malnutrition remains one of Sub-Saharan Africa's most fundamental challenges for improved human development. It is important to recognize the links between malnutrition, poverty and, at the aggregate level, broad economic growth and national development, namely agrarian production. Presently one person in four goes hungry. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the modest progress achieved in recent years up to 2007 was reversed, with hunger rising 2% per year since then. Progress towards the Millennium Development Goals 1 (MDG 1) target, is assessed not only by measuring undernourishment, or hunger, but also by a second indicator – the prevalence of underweight children under five years of age. A vast amount of International Organizations deal with this subject and publish comprehensive reports not only on estimates on the progress already achieved, but also identifying remaining problems, providing guidance on which policies should be emphasized in the future. However, their targets remain almost unchanged. The aim of the present short review is to enhance the need for improved agriculture productivity and trading systems closely related with persistent malnutrition.