Prevention Of Malnutrition Research Articles

Relationship between physical frailty, nutritional risk factors and protein intake in community-dwelling older adults.

Physical frailty may compromise physical function and reduce self-reliance in community-dwelling older adults. We investigated if nutritional risk factors and protein intake were associated with physical frailty in community-dwelling adults. This cross-sectional study combined data from two studies in community-dwelling adults ≥65 years. Variables included physical frailty (SHARE-FI75+), nutritional risk factors (dysphagia, poor dental status, illness, unintentional weight loss, low and high BMI), chronic diseases, physical function, and protein intake (4-day food records). Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between physical frailty, number of nutritional risk factors and specific nutritional risk factors, and between physical frailty and protein intake. A total of 1430 participants were included in the study of these n=860 were ≥80 years. Having one, two or more nutritional risk factors increased odds of physical pre-frail/frail condition (adjusted OR 1.39 95% CI 1.07-1.80; OR 2.67 1.76-4.04, respectively). Unintentional weight loss, poor dental status, dysphagia, and high BMI independently increased odds of physical pre-frail/frail condition. In participants ≥80 years two or more nutritional risk factors were associated with physical pre-frail/frail condition (adjusted OR 2.56 95%CI 1.45-4.52) and high BMI increased odds of physical pre-frail/frail condition independently. Higher intakes of protein did not significantly reduce odds of physical pre-frail/frail condition (adjusted OR 0.23 95% CI 0.05-1.09) in this sample of community-dwelling adults ≥80 years. Nutritional risk factors were independently associated with physical pre-frail/frail condition in community-dwelling older adults. Tackling nutritional risk factors offers an opportunity in primary prevention of malnutrition and physical frailty.

Effectiveness of Complementary Food Based on Foodrecipe Locally Produced in Malnutrition Prevention of Child 6–23, Katanga DRC: Randomized Controlled Trial of MASO31 Recipe

Abstract Objectives This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the local additional food-recipe MASO 31 to increase weight gain (or z-score WHZ, WAZ, HAZ) in preventing malnutrition. The Null Hypothesis: “MASO31” recipe is not effective in preventing malnutrition or the z-score index (WHZ, WAZ, HAZ) gain averages in the two groups (intervention and control groups) are equal. The alternative Hypothesis: the “MASO31” recipe is effective in preventing malnutrition or the z-score index (WHZ, WAZ, HAZ) gain average is increased in the intervention children group than in the comparison children group. Methods In Kapolowe health zone, double-blind RCT is undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the MASO31 recipe to increase z-score (WHZ, WAZ, HAZ) in preventing malnutrition. P-S Power and sample size calculation software version 3.1.2. and the sample size calculation formula n = 2(Zα+Z[1-β])2 × SD2/d2 were used to obtain the sample size, where α = 0.01, Zα = 2.58, β = 0.10, Z(1-β) = 1.28; SD = 1z-score (within each subject group), d(effect size) = 0.55 z-score. So, n = 2(2.58 + 1.28)2 × (1)2/(0.55)2 = 99. Sample size with attrition rate (10%) = NR = n/(1-R) = 99/(1–0,90) = 110 intervention and 110 control children groups 12–20 months old. A total of 220 study children simply randomized are receiving daily 200g of MASO31 or MASO30 porridge-based. Standardized anthropometric equipment, trained investigators, and SPSS 23 are used before and will be used after implementation. A paired t-test will compare matched z-score (WHZ, WAZ, HAZ) averages within each children group. Two-sample t-test will compare the real difference of the difference of z-score (WHZ, WAZ, HAZ) gain averages in intervention and comparison children groups to reject the null hypothesis of the equality of the z-score (WHZ, WAZ, HAZ) gain averages in the two groups. Results The results are not yet available because it is a protocol whose study is being implemented. Conclusions Waiting for the end of the implementation study, we hope that this study will provide evidence about the effectiveness of local complementary food-recipe in DR Congo and serve the Health Ministry to make nutrition policy. Funding Sources Grant application to Nestle Foundation

Nutritional and hygienic quality of meals served in school canteens in Togo: A cross-sectional study.

School feeding is important in terms of nutrition, as it contributes to the prevention of malnutrition, especially in low-income countries. However, the nutritional and hygienic quality of meals served at schools in several countries is rarely examined. We aimed to assess the quality of meals served in school canteens in Togo. We designed a descriptive cross-sectional study and collected data from eight school canteens located in Southern Togo. Hygiene compliance and potential sources of food contamination in the canteens were assessed using the 5 M approach, which evaluates the performance of hygiene parameters at each “M" i.e., medium (cooking environment), raw material (staples), cooking material (kitchenware), method (cooking) and manipulator (cooks) in the food preparation environment. Foods were sampled in each school and analysed for microbiological (presence of Salmonella, total coliforms, and staphylococci) and nutritional (nutrient content) quality. The 5 M analysis revealed significant hygienic violations by the food preparators, as well as poor preparation conditions and utilization of low-quality raw materials in all the school canteens. Out of the 30 meal samples collected, 10 were of poor microbiological quality with the presence of total coliforms and staphylococci exceeding established limits of 10 and 100 cfu/g in 30 and 6.6% of the meals, respectively. However, none of the meals was contaminated by Salmonella spp. Nutritional analysis revealed that none of the meals served respected the nutritional balance, especially for contents in calcium, and vitamins A and C. Nonetheless, the iron content complied with the recommendations for children aged 9–13 years. Our analyses showed that several routes of contamination exist for the meals consumed in school canteens in Togo. Also, the nutritional quality of the ready-to-eat foods served at school canteens needs to be improved, particularly with the inclusion in the diet of fruits and vegetables to cover the micronutrient requirements.

Nutrition in old age-key to maintaining functionality and quality of life

Jenseits des 70. Lebensjahrs ist bei älteren Menschen regelhaft eine Abnahme der Muskelmasse sowie eine Zunahme der Fettmasse zu beobachten. Diese Veränderungen der Körperzusammensetzung stellen eine wesentliche Prädisposition für den im Alter drohenden Verlust an Funktionalität und Selbstständigkeit dar. In diesem Kontext kommt der richtigen Ernährung sowie insbesondere dem Vermeiden einer Mangelernährung große Relevanz zu. Da die ältere Bevölkerung hinsichtlich der Geschwindigkeit und Ausprägung der Alterungsvorgänge sowie ihrer Komorbiditäten als äußerst heterogen zu betrachten ist, müssen Ernährungsempfehlungen individualisiert erfolgen. In Hinblick auf eine potenzielle Gefährdung durch eine Sarkopenie ist selbst eine beabsichtigte Gewichtsabnahme im Alter kritisch zu sehen. Fastenepisoden sollten generell vermieden werden. Dies betrifft insbesondere eine unzureichende Kalorienzufuhr im Kontext von akuten oder chronischen Erkrankungen. Im höheren Lebensalter sollten daher regelmäßige Gewichtskontrollen erfolgen, um das Auftreten einer Mangelernährung frühzeitig zu erkennen und entsprechende Maßnahmen einleiten zu können. Zum Erhalt der Muskelmasse und -funktion sollte eine gegenüber jüngeren Menschen erhöhte Eiweißzufuhr von 1,0 g/kgKG angestrebt werden. Bei älteren Menschen mit Sarkopenie wird dieses Ziel auf 1,2 g/kg KG angehoben. Während sich im Alter restriktive Diäten als nachteilig erweisen können, scheinen gesunde Ernährungsformen wie z. B. die mediterrane Ernährung den Erhalt der muskulären und kognitiven Funktion zu fördern.

A STUDY TO ASSESS THE HEALTH STATUS OF UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN RESIDING IN SELECTED VILLAGES OF SARBHON PHC, BARDOLI WITH A VIEW TO DEVELOP AN INFORMATION BOOKLET

A descriptive study was conducted to assess the health status of under-ve children residing in selected villages of Sarbhon PHC, Bardoli. The purpose of study was to prepare the health prole of under-ve children in selected villages of Sarbhon PHC, classify the children as per their level of nutritional status and to develop an information booklet for mothers of under-ve children regarding prevention of malnutrition. Sample size comprised of 489 under ve children. Samples were selected by purposive sampling technique and physical assessment tool was used to collect the data. The gathered data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results depicts that, out of 489 children, there was a signicant association found between health status of children with dietary pattern, education of the mother, income and type of family. No signicant association found between health status of children with age, gender and occupation of the mother. To educate the mothers, the investigator developed an information booklet to increase the knowledge level of mothers on prevention of malnutrition, and therefore to improve the health and nutritional status of under-ve children.

The Association of Eating Behaviour on the Growth of Children from the Interior Districts of Sabah, Malaysia

BackgroundThe double burden of malnutrition among children is an emerging public health problem, especially in developing countries. Eating behaviours have been hypothesised to contribute to both being underweight and overweight in children and adults. The objective of this study was to examine the association between the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) subscale scores and body mass index (BMI) z-scores among Malaysian children under-5 years.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2020 by recruiting a sample of 500 children aged 24–59 months old from clinics located in the interior districts of Sabah, Malaysia. The CEBQ was completed by the mothers on behalf of the child to assess their eating behaviour traits. The height and weight of the child were measured using standardised instrument. The BMI-for-age percentile, z-scores for BMI-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-age were determined and classified using World Health Organization AnthroPlus software. The relationship between the CEBQ subscale scores and BMI z-scores were evaluated using multiple linear regression models adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsThe prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting were 20.2%, 29.2% and 5.6%, respectively, whereas the prevalence of overweight and obese was 5.0%. There were significant positive association between Food responsiveness, Emotional overeating, Enjoyment of food with BMI z-scores (p<0.05; unstandardised regression coefficient: 0.17 to 0.38). In contrast, there were significant negative association between Satiety responsiveness, Slowness of eating, Food fussiness with BMI z-scores (p<0.01; unstandardised regression coefficient: −0.35 to −0.36).ConclusionThese findings show that specific eating behaviours can influence the growth of children under-5 years. Therefore, policymakers should formulate a nutrition policy that incorporates behavioural assessment and behavioural intervention in the prevention and management of malnutrition among children in Malaysia.

Nutrition in Advanced Thyroid Cancer Patients.

In the last decade, multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) have changed the paradigm of treatment of advanced and progressive thyroid cancer. Compared with the traditional treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, these new drugs have shown a good efficacy in controlling the neoplastic disease, and also a different toxicity profile compared to traditional chemotherapy, milder but still present and involving mainly the nutritional profile. Weight loss, nausea, anorexia, stomatitis, diarrhea may be associated with malnutrition and cancer-related cachexia. The latter is characteristic of the advanced cancer stage and may be present before starting MKIs, or may develop afterwards. Adverse events with nutritional impact may cause a significant impairment of quality of life, often requiring dose reduction and sometimes drug discontinuation, but with a lower efficacy on the neoplastic disease. The aim of this paper was to discuss the role of nutritional therapy in advanced thyroid cancer and the importance of prevention, early recognition and careful management of malnutrition and cachexia during systemic therapy with MKIs.

Mother's education about under-five nutrition as prevention of stunting and malnutrition

Malnutrition that occurs in the first thousand days of life will have an impact on children's lives in the future. The results of previous studies that were carried out were known that from 107 under-five-children, there were 32 under-five-children with under nutritional status in Bangka Kenda Village. This activity aims to improve a mother's knowledge about the importance of fulfilling toddler nutrition starting from infancy by giving exclusive breastfeeding for six months, then continuing with additional food. As well as knowledge about nutrition needed by under-five-children. The activity begins with a pre-test, then continues with counseling activities, and at the end, a post-test evaluation of the mother's understanding of the counseling material. The participants were 35 people. The results of the activity showed an increase in the mother's knowledge before and after counseling.

Clinical nutrition and the role of hospital pharmacist in the management of covid patient.

The nutritional status of everyone represents a fundamental element to maintain a good health and it can be related to infectious agents in some disorders. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition should be included in the management of SARS-CoV-2 patients in order to improve both short- and long-term prognosis.In Covid patients the choice of route of administration for nutrition is closely related to respiratory autonomy. In subjects who are not mechanically ventilated or with non-invasive ventilation (NIV), spontaneous oral feeding is strongly indicated, while considering the patient's comorbidity, chewing ability and swallowing. If this is not possible or if it is not possible to meet the appropriate nutritional needs, it is necessary to resort to artificial nutrition (enteral or parenteral). Enteral nutrition (EN) is preferred to parenteral nutrition (PN) because it allows to maintain the trophism of the gastrointestinal tract, involving a lower risk of infectious complications and it is easier to manage. PN is usually used in patients in whom NE is not feasible, insufficient or contraindicated, or in patients with invasive total mechanical ventilation. Based on these considerations, it would be necessary to develop a targeted nutritional pathway in order to support the management of Covid patients.In the nutritional management of these patients, the role of the hospital pharmacists is fundamental. They collaborate with clinicians, nutritionist, dieticians and speech therapists to choose the most appropriate nutrition, based on the clinical characteristics of the patient and on the availability of nutritional formulations in the therapeutic guide.

Determination of minerals, vitamins, antinutrient and amino acid profile of pumpkin pie produced pumpkin (cucurbeta spp) puree and Wheat (tritium aestivum) Flour supplemented with Spices and Butter.

Background: Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.), is one of the most popular vegetables consumed in the world, has been recently recognized as a functional food. Traditional crops including the pumpkins, which are rich in micronutrients, are not consumed widely by smallholder farmers in Africa. However, the cultivation of high yielding, nutrient-rich, multipurpose crops-like pumpkin is important in solving the problems of malnutrition and contributing to food security in Africa including Nigeria. Objectives: Therefore, this work aimed at producing Pumpkin pie from Pumpkin puree and wheat supplemented with some indigenous spices alongside butter. Methodology: Formulations into various formed were made using Pearson's method. The formulations were assayed for mineral, vitamin, antinutrient and amino acid composition using standard laboratory methods. A significant (P&lt;0.05) difference was observed in Zn and Ca content of all the samples, with sample D recording the highest value for Zn (1.30±0.01) mg/g and Ca (0.47±0.01) mg/g. However, samples A and D had the least values for Na and Fe. An increasing and decreasing pattern was observed in all the vitamin contents(B1, B2, B6, B12 and C), moving from samples A through to D. Vitamin contents of samples B1 and B6 and higher than the RDA, while B2, B12 and C were below RDA. The overall antinutrient contents observed were generally low, with sample A having the lowest values for Phytate, Oxalate and tannins. The B, C and D are more enhanced in terms of essential amino acids compared to the control group (sample A). Conclusion: Pumpkin pie can be produced from pumpkin and its supplementation of the spices can boost the pie with essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamin composition. This shows the potential of using pumpkin pie as snacks in-between meals for the prevention of Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM).

Usability of classic and specific bioelectrical impedance vector analysis in measuring body composition of children

In this study, we aimed to analyse the relationship between body composition and bioelectrical variables in children and adolescents. The sample was composed of 6801 individuals (4035 males; 2766 females) aged 8-20 years included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) years 1999-2004. Classic and specific bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) were applied and compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for the evaluation of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM), and bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) for the evaluation of intra-cellular water (ICW), extra-cellular water (ECW), and total body water (TBW). Fat-free mass index (FFMI) was calculated. Spearman's correlation, regression, and depth-depth analyses were applied. The evaluation of body composition with BIVA agreed well with that of DXA or BIS, independently of sex, age, and ethnicity: classic BIVA was mostly sensitive to differences in TBW, ECW/ICW, whereas specific BIVA to differences in %FM, FFMI, and ECW/ICW. The depth-depth analysis confirmed the associations of classic BIVA (coeff. 0.500, p<0.001), and specific BIVA (coeff. 0.512, p<0.001), also considering the significant effect of age (p<0.001). In classic BIVA the association was slightly stronger in females (by 0.03, p=0.042) and among Blacks (0.06, p=0.002), whereas in specific BIVA it was stronger by 0.06 (p<0.001) in females and similar among ethnic groups. The combined use of the two BIVA approaches represents a valuable tool for complete evaluation of body composition in growth studies, for the prevention and monitoring of malnutrition, and the monitoring of the performance in young athletes.

Therapeutic Food Development from Maize Grains, Pulses, and Cooking Banana Fruits for the Prevention of Severe Acute Malnutrition.

In children under five years of age, severe acute malnutrition is a complex and challenging problem, especially those living in poor communities. Therefore, this study aimed to formulate ready-to-use therapeutic foods from affordable, locally available cereals, pulses, and banana fruits to overcome the problem of severe acute malnutrition. Maize grains, pulses (soybeans), and cooking banana fruits were ingredients used in formulations of ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF). A completely randomized design was done with two replicates. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance. A significant difference existed in the appearance and consistency for RUTF1, RUTF2, and RUTF3 samples (P < 0.05). The study findings revealed that the moisture content varied from 6.7 to 13.4%, energy from 513.2 to 642.41 kcal/100 g, protein from 13.9 to 19.34%%, and crude fat from 24.12 to 35.54%. The calcium content ranged from 225 to 302 g/100 mg, iron from 10.34 to 12.26 g/100 mg, and zinc from 10 to 20 g/100 mg. In this study, the phytate content varied from 314.74 to 369.3 μg/g and crude tannin, from 101.36 to 153.25 μg/g. This study concluded that the ingredients used in the RUTF1, RUTF2, and RUTF3 formulations met the standard ready-to-use therapeutic foods. Therefore, it is important to prescribe ready-to-use dietary supplements made from inexpensive, locally available, and culturally acceptable foods to prevent severe acute malnutrition in infants.

The analysis and research of the composition a protein-vitamins product from plant materials

According to a new report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), there is a problem of a shortage of protein-rich foods in the world due to the influence of COVID-19 and other factors. Lack of protein in the body leads to disturbances in the processes in which protein is involved and a decrease in immunity. Since the main protein deficiency is associated with a drop in the rate of manufacturing of products containing animal protein, it is relevant to use modern technologies to create alternatives in the form of plant protein sources. To solve this problem, we have developed a product obtained from cedar oilcake by grinding and then processing it with ethyl alcohol in a microwave installation under vacuum for 5-10 minutes. The article presents results of the study of the chemical composition and substantiates the biological value of the protein-vitamins product. Research of the chemical composition of the developed product showed a high content of essential substances, protein 47%. The analysis of the amino acid composition established the presence of 18 amino acids, nonessential and conditionally essential amino acids were found in an amount of 43%. The indicators of the biological value of the protein of the developed product indicate the completeness and balance of the amino acid composition. This proves the high biological value of the protein contained in the protein-vitamin product. The mineral composition of the developed product is capable of meeting the daily requirement for minerals necessary for the human body by 50%. In the product identified water-soluble vitamins group B and vitamin C. The obtained data indicate the possibility of using a protein-vitamin product as an independent product for the prevention of protein-energy malnutrition, and as a functional additive in food production, to increase their nutritional value.

Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) as a Reliable Tool for Nutritional Assessment of Hemodialysis Patients: A Single-Center Observation.

ObjectiveIn this study, we evaluated mini nutritional assessment (MNA) as a tool for the assessment of the nutritional status of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD).MethodsThis prospective cross-sectional study was done from February 2021 till August 2021 on ESRD patients on MHD at our center. Nutritional status was assessed by using MNA score which evaluates four different aspects: anthropometric measures (body mass index [BMI], weight loss, mid-arm and mid-calf circumferences); general assessment (lifestyle, medications, mobility, and signs of depression); short dietary assessment (number of meals, food, and fluid intake) and subjective assessment (self-perception of food and nutrition).ResultsOut of 195 study subjects, 127 (65.1%) were males and 68 (34.9%) were females. Most women were stay-at-home mothers (57, 29.2% overall and 83.8% among all women), while most men owned their own businesses (44, 22.6% overall). The mean age was 51.2±14 years and the mean duration of hemodialysis was 4.6±4.1 years. Most of our patients belonged to the middle socioeconomic group (110, 56.6%). By using MNA, we found that most are at risk of developing malnutrition (112, 57.4%); however, only 9 (4.6%) patients are malnourished. In our study group, most malnourished patients belonged to the age group of >65 years (5, 56.6%). BMI was found to be significantly associated with MNA (p <0.001).ConclusionMNA is an easy and reliable bedside tool that can be used in ESRD patients on MHD for nutritional assessment. This is helpful in nutritional planning and the prevention of malnutrition.

Impact of Health and Nutrition Interventions in the Prevention and Recovery of Child Malnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2010 to 2020: Review Article

Malnutrition is still a widespread public health problem worldwide. The objective of this review is to identify the most effective nutrition programs used in the prevention and management of child malnutrition in children under five years. Also, it is to suggest courses of action to improve interventions in the fight against malnutrition. The promotion of exclusive breastfeeding and food diversification improves the mothers’ knowledge and contributes to prevention of malnutrition. Food supplementation increases the weight/height ratio of malnourished children. The two programs combined bring better results on mothers’ feeding practices and children’s anthropometric data. This review has highlighted the importance of food supplementation and nutritional education in the management and prevention of child malnutrition. In addition, the combination of several approaches to good dietary practices brings better results. Finally, primary prevention can protect children from the harmful consequences of malnutrition.

Identification, Prevention and Management of Malnutrition in the Critically Ill Patients

Proper nutrition is essential for enhancing healthcare outcomes. Elevated rates of malnutrition are present in hospitalized patients. Malnutrition and unmet nutritional needs increase morbidity and mortality, lower quality of life, lengthen the time spent on mechanical ventilation, and lengthen hospital stays, all of which raise the expense of medical treatment. Patients who are critically ill need specific care to minimize muscle wasting, avoid overfeeding, and prevent complications from nutritional therapy. The purpose of this research is to review the available information about identification, prevention, and management of malnutrition in the critically ill patients. To identify patients who are more likely to experience complications from malnutrition, nutritional status is evaluated. Various assessment methods and tools are present to identify malnutrition in critically ill patients. Effective targeting of appropriate nutrient levels, and prompt initiation of nutritional support, among other measures can reduce the risk of malnutrition. Ideally, enteral nutrition should be started after initial 24 to 48 hours. Parenteral nutrition may be employed if the nutritional need is not properly supplied by enteral nutrition even after seven days following intensive care admission. In patients receiving nutrition therapy, electrolytes should be carefully assessed. Even if 50% to 60% of nutritional requirements are not successfully met during 72 hours of oral nutrition support then tube feeding should be considered. Further clinical research can be beneficial in determining the effectiveness and outcomes of nutritional therapy in malnourished critically ill patients.

A STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF STAFF NURSES REGARDING MALNUTRITION AND NUTRITIONAL CARE OF HOSPITALIZED CHILDREN IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL BELAGAVI, KARNATAKA

Food is the main fuel that runs a human body, both in health and illness. Food and Nutrition play a major role in the prevention of almost all diseases and promotion of health. Unfortunately at the global level, India is being placed among the highest ranked countries on the basis of number of malnourished children1. Childhood is a crucial period where we need to pay some extra attention for the nutritional needs and nutritional care of a child, as it acts as a strong pillar for his/her growth and development and prevention of malnutrition. Despite many medical advances over the past 20 years, the prevalence of malnutrition among hospitalized children has not decreased. Since the staff nurses spent more time with patients than any other healthcare workers and the patient recovery is greatly affected by the quality of care these nurses provide to their patients in all the aspects of care, including the nutritional aspect. Present study was conducted to assess the Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards nutritional care of the hospitalized children, in order to ensure quality nutritional care for hospitalized children who are at risk of developing malnutrition or who are already victims of it. A nonexperimental descriptive research design was adopted to carry out the present study on a sample of 40 staff nurses working at a Tertiary care hospital of Karnataka by administering MKAP questionnaire. The results of the study showed that majority of the staff nurses 28(70%) had average knowledge and neutral attitude regarding malnutrition and nutritional care among hospitalized children , while as 7(17.5%) had good knowledge and positive attitude and 5( 12.5%) of them had poor knowledge and negative attitude regarding malnutrition and nutritional care among hospitalized children. The majority of the staff nurses 25(62.5%) showed neutral practice regarding malnutrition and nutritional care among hospitalized children, while as 10 (25%) showed beneficial practice and 5 (12.5%) of them showed non-beneficial practice regarding malnutrition and nutritional care among hospitalized children. In the present study the association of Levels of KAP with demographic characteristics of the staff nurses was calculated by using chi-square test and no association was found between the two except for gender. The study concluded that most of the staff nurses are having average knowledge and neutral attitude and practice towards malnutrition and nutritional care of hospitalized children

Assessment of growth monitoring activities conducted in anganwadi centers: A qualitative study in urban field practice area of a medical college in West Bengal

Background: Growth monitoring under Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program is an essential strategy for the prevention and control of malnutrition. Objective: To assess growth monitoring activities done by Anganwadi workers (AWWs), the influencing factors related to it and perception of mothers about growth monitoring service. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in all the Anganwadi canters of urban field practice area of Community Medicine Department of Bankura Sammilani Medical College. Qualitative data collection methods were employed which comprised of nonparticipant observation of growth monitoring activities, in depth interview (IDI) of AWWs, and focus group discussion (FGD) with mothers of enrolled children. While the checklists had been compiled in Microsoft Excel, transcripts of IDIs and FGDs were analyzed based on the thematic analysis. Results: Growth chart plotting, interpretation of growth curve, and discussion regarding child's growth had been carried out diligently, but preparation for weighing, putting child in the pants and actual weighing of the child were not properly done in all cases. AWWs mentioned logistic issues such as nonavailability of Taring scale and short supply of growth registers, perceived pressure of register maintenance, inadequate infrastructure, lack of periodic training, and supervision among the difficulties. Most of them were satisfied about community participation in growth monitoring process. Many mothers knew about weighing process, but the use of a growth chart had been reiterated by only a few. Conclusion: Logistic and infrastructural issues needed redressal while supportive supervision was essential to ensure the quality of the growth monitoring process. Mothers should also be made more involved in this key activity of ICDS.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of malnutrition among 6-14-year-old children in Iran

Malnutrition is a major public health issue worldwide. It has significant consequences, including weakened immune systems, which may lead to increased incidences of infectious disease and higher mortality, particularly in children. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate the overall prevalence of malnutrition (wasting, underweight, and stunting) among children of 6-14 years of age in Iran. Data were collected in 2018 based on searches of the PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Information Database (SID), Magiran, Irandoc, and Iranmedex databases using the following keywords: childhood, childhood malnutrition, children, nutrition, malnutrition, wasting, underweight, stunting, child, student, boy, girl, cause, prevalence, and Iran, in order to identify studies eligible for inclusion in the review. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis, version 2 (CMA: 2) was used to estimate the overall prevalence of malnutrition. Nine out of 328 articles were included in our analyses. The overall of wasting among children of 6-14 years of age in Iran based on the random-effects model (according to nine studies and 18,296 participants) was 12.5% (95% Confidence Interval, 7.1-21.2). The overall prevalence of underweight based on the random-effects model (according to 10 studies and 19,185 participants) was 19% (95% CI, 8.1-38.6). Also, the overall prevalence of stunting based on the random-effects model (according to 10 studies and 19,185 participants) was 20% (95% CI, 9.4-37.8). The results of this study show that the prevalence of malnutrition among 6-14-year-old children in Iran is similar to the global average. We need solutions that can be used for both prevention and reduction of malnutrition, especially in areas with middle or low socioeconomic status. It is necessary to identify factors associated with malnutrition in various geographic regions in order to implement appropriate programs based on factors with the highest impact in each region.

Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) Formulations with Functional Food and Nutrient Density for the Treatment of Malnutrition in Crisis.

Background:Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) spread has been highly effective in the treatment of malnutrition in those affected by disasters since it does not require preparation and baking and has a long shelf life and sufficient energy to improve growth and weight loss. Such features may be crucial during crises such as wars and natural disasters. The present study aimed to design a high-energy and nutrient-dense RUTF formulation.Methods:Soybean flour and milk protein concentrate were used as protein sources, corn flour, and sugar were employed as carbohydrate sources, cacao butter substitute was used as the lipid source, and vitamin/mineral, beta-alanine, arginine, Nigella sativa, and sesame seeds were used as a functional food. The study was performed in accordance with the guidelines of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and criteria for food products.Results:To design the formulation, we used carbohydrates (45% of total energy), protein (13% of total energy), fat (42% of total energy), vitamins, minerals, beta-alanine, and arginine, and 100 grams of the diet was considered to release 525 kilocalories of energy. The experimental results of food safety at the determined intervals (at the beginning and 45 and 90 days after the production) showed acceptable values.Conclusions:Since nutritional requirements are among essential human needs (especially in the management of malnutrition in crisis), it is of utmost importance to prepare RUTF products in order to meet all human nutritional needs by facilitating the easy use of these products, particularly for the prevention of malnutrition and diseases.