Risk Factors For Undernutrition Research Articles

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

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

Risk factors for undernutrition in children under five (6-59) months based on child and parents characteristics

Risk factors for undernutrition in children under five (6-59) months based on child and parents characteristics

Defining Undernutrition Risk Factors in Young Children With Sickle Cell Disease in Northern Nigeria

Defining Undernutrition Risk Factors in Young Children With Sickle Cell Disease in Northern Nigeria

Consumption Patterns of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Association with Undernutrition among Children Aged 9-17 Years in Guangzhou, China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Globally, the high consumption levels of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and their effect on health have drawn significant attention. This study aimed to identify the consumption patterns of SSBs among children in rural areas of Guangzhou, China, and explore their association with undernutrition. A total of 1864 children aged 9-17 years old were included in this study. Demographics, lifestyle behaviors, and anthropometric and dietary information were collected. Factor analysis was used to identify patterns of SSBs, while nutritional status was assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI). Latent class analysis was used to establish dietary preference models. Log-binomial regression analysis was used to analyze the association between SSBs consumption patterns and undernutrition. The undernutrition prevalence in children was 14.54-19.94% in boys and 9.07% in girls. Three SSB consumption patterns were identified, including the plant protein pattern, dairy-containing pattern, and coffee pattern. Both medium-high (Q3) and the highest (Q4) scores in the dairy-containing pattern were positively associated with the risk of undernutrition, especially in boys. Furthermore, the highest scores in the plant protein pattern and coffee pattern were positively associated with the risk of undernutrition in children aged 9-10 years old. The dairy-containing pattern was a risk factor for undernutrition in children, especially for boys; the plant protein patterns and coffee patterns were risk factors for undernutrition in children aged 9-10 years old. The findings of the study can provide scientific evidence and policy recommendations for improving children's health conditions.

Determinants of undernutrition among khat chewing and non-khat chewing male adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

Khat chewing is a deep-rooted socio-cultural tradition that affects appetite, gastric emptying, and food intake, ultimately influencing nutritional status. Moreover, there is significant variation in lifestyles and ways of living among khat chewing and non-chewing people. However, there is limited evidence on the disaggregated determinants of undernutrition among khat chewers and non-chewers in Ethiopia. A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with 253 Khat-chewing and 249 non-chewing male adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Weight and height were measured under standard procedure and used to calculate the body mass index (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 indicates undernutrition). Variables with p-values below 0.25 in the bi-variable analysis were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to identify factors associated with undernutrition and to control confounding respectively. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to declare the presence and the strength of association between the independent and outcome variable. Statistical significance was declared at a p value of 0.05. In this study, a total of 138 (27.5%: 23.6–31.6%) adult males were undernourished; among them, 78 (32.0%) were khat chewers and 60 (23.9%) were non chewers. Christian religion (AOR = 1.49; 1.02–2.30), vegetable consumption (AOR = 1.69; 95% CI 1.12–2.55) and khat chewing (AOR = 1.60; 1.04–2.45) were independent risk factors for undernutrition. However, none of the above factors showed a statistically significant association among non-khat chewer male adults. In conclusion, undernutrition was a public health concern in male adults in the study area. Frequent consumption of fruits, vegetables and family size of the households were the independent predictors of undernutrition. The practical implication of identifying risk factors of undernutrition among chewers and non-chewers could be helpful in depicting the relevant risk factors by exposure category and helping to further refine intervention packages. In addition, focusing on interventions which can increase the availability and accessibility of fruits and vegetables are important to improve the nutritional status of adult male populations.

Risk factors of undernutrition among under-two children in West Java (SSGI 2021)

&lt;p align="center"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ABSTRAK &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Latar Belakang: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Jawa Barat merupakan provinsi dengan jumlah populasi balita tertinggi di Indonesia. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;Permasalahan&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; gizi di Jawa Barat masih tinggi. Berdasarkan Studi Status Gizi Indonesia (SSGI) tahun 2021 prevalensi stunting, wasting dan underweight di Jawa Barat yaitu 20.5%. 5.3% dan 15%. Faktor risiko yang mempengaruhi kekurangan gizi beragam dan berpotensi berubah dari waktu ke waktu. Oleh karena itu, sangat penting untuk menilai arus status gizi untuk meninjau kesenjangan dalam faktor risiko&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Tujuan: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk menganalisis faktor risiko stunting, wasting, dan underweight pada baduta di Jawa Barat. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Metode: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Penelitian ini menggunakan &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;studi cross sectional menggunakan data sekunder dari Studi Status Gizi Indonesia (SSGI) 2021 yang terdiri dari 1203 subjek baduta usia 6-23 bulan di Jawa Barat. Faktor risiko stunting, wasting, dan underweight dianalisis menggunakan regresi logistik. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Hasil: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Prevalensi stunting, &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;wasting, dan underweight pada baduta usia 6-23 bulan berturut-turut sebesar 20.5%, 5.7% dan 11.6%. Faktor risiko stunting adalah usia 12-23 bulan (AOR=3.10 CI 95% 2.16-4.45), panjang lahir pendek (AOR=1.85 CI 95% 1.30-2.62), tingkat pendidikan ibu rendah (AOR=1.97 CI 95% 1.45-2.68) dan tidak menyusui (AOR= 0.46 CI 95% 0.31-0.68) sebagai faktor protektif. Faktor risiko wasting adalah tingkat pendidikan Ibu yang rendah (AOR=0.5 CI 95% 0.34-0.94) sebagai faktor protektif. Faktor risiko underweight adalah usia 12-23 bulan (OR=1.92 CI 95% 1.25-2.95) dan tidak ASI eksklusif (AOR=0.54 CI 95% 0.35-0.83) sebagai faktor protektif. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Kesimpulan: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Faktor yang memengaruhi stunting yaitu usia, panjang lahir, tingkat pendidikan ibu, dan status menyusui. Faktor yang memengaruhi wasting yaitu tingkat pendidikan ibu. Faktor yang memengaruhi underweight yaitu usia dan riwayat ASI eksklusif.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;KATA KUNCI&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;baduta; faktor risiko; gizi kurang; Jawa Barat; SSGI&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p align="center"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ABSTRACT&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Background: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;West Java is the province with the highest under-five population in Indonesia. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;Nutritional&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; problems in West Java are still high in number. According to the 2021 Indonesian Nutrition Status Study (SSGI) the prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight in West Java are stated as 20.5%. 5.3% and 15% whereas the risk factors affecting malnutrition are diverse and have the potential to change over time. Therefore, it is very important to assess current nutritional status to review gaps in risk factors. &lt;strong&gt;Objectives: &lt;/strong&gt;This research was conducted to analyze the risk factors for stunting, wasting and underweight in under-two children of West Java. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Methods: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;This research is a cross-sectional study using secondary data from the Indonesian Nutrition Status Study (SSGI) 2021 which consists of 1203 subjects (6-23 months) in West Java. Risk factors of stunting, wasting. and underweight were analyzed using logistic regression. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Results: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;The prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight among children aged 6-23 months were 20.5%, 5.7% and 11.6%, respectively. The risk factors for stunting are age 12-23 months (AOR=3.10 CI 95% 2.16-4.45), short birth length (AOR=1.85 CI 95% 1.30-2.62), mother’s low education level (AOR=1.97 CI 95% 1.45-2.68) and not breastfeeding (AOR= 0.46 CI 95% 0.31-0.68) as a protective factor for stunting. low maternal education level (AOR=0.5 CI 95% 0.34-0.94) as a protective factor for wasting. The risk factor for underweight is age 12-23 months (OR=1.92 95% CI 1.25 -2.95) and does not have exclusively breastfed (AOR=0.54 CI 95% 0.35-0.83) as a protective factor for underweight. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Influential factors to stunting are age, birth length, mother's education level, and breastfeeding status. Factor influences wasting is the education level of the mother. Factors influence underweight are age and history of exclusive breastfeeding.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;KEYWORDS&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;: &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;risk factors; SSGI; undernutrition; under-two children; West Java &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Modeling the Risk Factors of Undernutrition among Children below Five Years of Age in Uganda Using Generalized Structural Equation Models.

The prevalence of undernutrition among children below five years of age, in Uganda and the world over, remains very high. About 45% of all global deaths among children below five years of age are attributed to undernutrition. A number of studies using different statistical approaches affirm this effect, yet some factors indicate the influence of other factors within the system. This study, therefore, uses a method that demonstrates how different variables feed into each other. The aim of this study was to establish the major factors associated with an increased likelihood of undernutrition and the paths showing how these risk factors influence undernutrition. Data from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS, 2016) were used for this study. A sample of 4530 children, whose age, height, and weight measurements were recorded, was considered for this study. Additionally, the study used generalized structural equation models to identify the multifaceted natures and paths of the risk factors that influence undernutrition among children below five years of age. The study relied on the UNICEF 2020 conceptual framework to identify and analyze the direct and indirect effects of these risk factors of undernutrition. From the perspective of a male child, having a perceived small size at birth, a low birth weight, being breastfed for less than 6 months, having no formal education from mothers, limited income-generating opportunities, a low wealth status, and notable episodes of diarrhea were among the key factors associated with an increased likelihood of undernutrition. The identified paths were as follows: (i) Having no education, as this was associated with limited working opportunities and a low income, which increases the likelihood of low household wealth status, hence increasing the chances of undernutrition. (ii) Exposure to a rural setting was associated with an increased likelihood of undernutrition through association with poor and or low employment levels within the rural areas. (iii) A shorter duration of breastfeeding was associated with children in urban areas, resulting in an increased likelihood of undernutrition. (iv) Children aged between 6 and 47 months had a higher likelihood of undernutrition. An approach that addresses and recognizes all these factors at different levels, along the established paths, should be implemented to effectively reduce undernutrition among children below five years of age.

Frequency of Gastrointestinal Parasites, Anemia, and Nutritional Status among Children from Different Geographical Regions of Bolivia.

The study aimed to measure the frequency of occurrence of infections with helminths, protozoa, and risk factors of undernutrition and anemia among schoolchildren from the Bolivian highland (altiplano) and lowland (subtropical) rural regions, with a high frequency of gastrointestinal parasite infections. Cross-sectional data were collected from 790 children, 5-13 years old. Microscopic examination of stool using the Ritchie technique, hemoglobin testing using the HemoCue analyzer, and anthropometric measurements were performed. Over 60% and 20% of children were infected with protozoa and helminth parasites, respectively. Infections caused by pathogenic Hymenolepis nana (15.7-5.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (41.9-28.5%), Giardia lamblia (30.1-11.2%), Entamoeba histolytica (5.7-0.7%), and nonpathogenic Entamoeba coli (48.9-16%), Blastocystis hominis (40.2-28.5%), Iodamoeba butschli (16.1-2.5%), Chilomastix mesnili (19.2-7.3%), and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (7.4-5.5%) parasites, were more prevalent in the highlands than the lowlands. Single parasitic infections were more prevalent in the lowlands; polyparasitism of light or heavy intensity predominated in the highlands. A strongly increased risk of anemia and a low prevalence of wasting were determined in children in the highlands. A higher risk for stunting was associated with children of older age, and a low burden of intestinal helminths would prevent wasting in children of highlands. Infections with A. lumbricoides and G. lamblia pathogens in older children were not significant covariates for stunting. Environmental, nutritional, and parasitic factors may predispose to anemia in the highlands. A nutritional intervention and parasite control effort will substantially improve children´s health in the highlands.

Undernutrition among children and its determinants across the parliamentary constituencies of India: a geospatial analysis.

In India, undernutrition among children has been extremely critical for the last few decades. Most analyses of undernutrition among Indian children have used the administrative boundaries of a state or a district level as a unit of analysis. This paper departs from such a practice and focuses instead on the political boundaries of a parliamentary constituency (PC) as the unit of analysis. The PC is a critical geopolitical unit where political parties and party candidates make election promises and implement programmes to improve the socio-economic condition of their electorate. A focus on child undernutrition at this level has the potential for greater policy and political traction and could lead to a paradigm shift in the strategy to tackle the problem by creating a demand for political accountability. Different dimensions and new approaches are also required to evaluate the socio-economic status and generate concrete evidence to find solutions to the problem. Given the significance of advanced analytical methods and models embedded into geographic information system (GIS), the current study, for the first time, uses GIS tools and techniques at the PC level, conducting in-depth analysis of undernutrition and its predictors. Hence, this paper examines the spatial heterogeneity in undernutrition across PCs by using geospatial techniques such as univariate and bivariate local indicator of spatial association and spatial regression models. The analysis highlights the high-low burden areas in terms of local hotspots and identifies the potential spatial risk factors of undernutrition across the constituencies. Striking variations in the prevalence of undernutrition across the constituencies were observed. Most of these constituencies that performed poorly both in terms of child nutrition and socio-economic indicators were located in the northern, western, and eastern parts of India. A statistically significant association of biological, socio-economic, and environmental factors such as women's body mass index, anaemia in children, poverty, household sanitation facilities, and institutional births was established. The results highlight the need to bring in a mechanism of political accountability that directly connects elected representatives to maternal and child health outcomes. The spatial variability and pattern of undernutrition indicators and their correlates indicate that priority setting in research may also be greatly influenced by the neighbourhood association.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECT OF POSTOPERATIVE GASTROINTESTINAL NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY IN NGAOUNDERE HOSPITALS, ADAMAWA REGION, CAMEROON

Background and objective: Undernutrition is defined as an insufficient intake of nutritional foods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological aspect of postoperative gastrointestinal nutritional deficiency in Ngaoundere Hospitals. Methods: It was a prospective, cross-sectional study with an analytical focus, over a 5-month period from July to November 2022. Undernutrition was defined by the presence of at least one phenotypic criteria plus one etiological criteria. Logistic regression for multivariate analyses, and the Chi-square test for univariate analyses, were used to identify the determinants of undernutrition. A difference was considered significant if p&lt;0.05. Results: A total of 134 patients were included in the current study. Males were the most represented, with rates of 82.09%. The average age of patients was 36±17.78. Undernutrition at discharge was observed in 110 patients (82.09%). Endogenous risk factors associated with the occurrence of undernutrition were: Muslim religion, persistent symptoms, emergency surgery modality, nutritional grades, postoperative nausea, and diarrhea (p&lt;0.0001); the protective one was minor surgery (p&lt;0.0001). Exogenous risk factors for undernutrition included failure to meet carbohydrate, protein, and calorie targets on day-3 and at discharge (p&lt;0.0001). Finally, in multivariate analysis, persistent symptoms (p=0.02), minor surgery (p=0.04), presence of diarrhea (p=0.01), and failure to meet caloric targets were independently associated with undernutrition at discharge. Conclusion: The incidence of post-digestive surgery undernutrition is relatively high in the 2 hospitals in Adamawa, Cameroon. It, therefore, requires early detection and management. Peer Review History: Received: 7 September 2023; Revised: 2 October; Accepted: 9 November, Available online: 15 November 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, amaka_mgbahurike@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Prof. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, shmahe@yemen.net.ye Dr. Owanaro Peter, Nigeria, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. owonaropeter@gmail.com

Assessing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nutrition in Older Adults in Japan: Insights from a Mini-Nutrition Assessment Short Form Survey

Introduction: The coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic has changed the daily lives of older adults in Japan, requiring them to wear masks and limit their movements. As lifestyle changes affect people's health, it is likely that some changes have occurred in their nutrition, which is the foundation of health. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the nutrition of older adults living at home during the pandemic period and identify the impact of the pandemic. Material and methods: The nutrition of older adults living at home was surveyed using the Mini-Nutrition Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF®). The target population was older adults living at home who were independent or in need of care. Surveys were conducted before and during the pandemic. Associations between the two survey periods and the MNA-SF® (nutrition assessment, sub-item) were analysed using χ-square or Fisher's test. The analysis was conducted separately for independent older adults and older adults in need of care. Results: Regarding nutrition assessment, our survey results indicated that 39.5% of older adults were considered "well-nourished," 46% were "at risk for malnutrition," and 14.5% were "malnourished" during the pandemic period. The analysis showed no significant differences in nutrition assessment by survey period for all participants. However, differences were observed in the sub-items before and during the pandemic. Significant differences were observed in neuropsychological problems and body mass index among independent older adults, and in neuropsychological problems, mobility, and reduced food intake among older adults in need of care. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the pandemic has changed the risk factors for undernutrition among older adults living at home, and that these changed factors may differ in part depending on whether they need care.

Barriers to adequate nutrition in pregnant adolescent Colombian females.

Pregnant adolescent females face nutritional challenges. The nutritional demands of a growing fetus, when added to the requirements for growing adolescent bodies, are risk factors for undernutrition. An adolescent expectant mother's nutritional status therefore affects both the mother's and the child's future growth, development, and potential development of diseases later in life. In Colombia, the rate of female adolescent pregnancies is higher than neighboring countries and the global average. The most recent data suggest that approximately 21 % of all pregnant adolescent females in Colombia are underweight, 27 % suffer from anemia, 20 % suffer from vitamin D deficiency, and 19 % suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency. Contributing factors to these nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy may be the region in which the female lives, the female's ethnicity, and the female's socioeconomic and educational status. In rural parts of Colombia, limitations regarding access to prenatal care and food choices that include animal source proteins may also contribute to nutritional deficiencies. To help remedy this, recommendations include encouraging nutrient dense food sources with higher protein content, eating one additional meal per day, and taking a prenatal vitamin throughout the pregnancy. Making healthy eating choices can be difficult for adolescent females with limited resources and education; therefore, it is recommended that discussions about nutrition begin at the first prenatal visit for optimum benefits. These factors should be considered for the development of future health policies and interventions in Colombia and other low-income and middle-income countries where pregnant adolescent females may be experiencing similar nutritional deficiencies.

Correlates of Undernutrition in Older People in Guadeloupe (French West Indies): Results from the KASADS Study.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the risk factors for undernutrition in community-dwelling older adults in Guadeloupe (Caribbean islands). Methods: We used data from the KArukera Study of Aging-Drugs Storage (KASADS), an observational cross-sectional study of community-dwelling older people living in Guadeloupe. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used to assess the risk of undernutrition. An MNA-short form (SF) score ≤11 defined the risk of undernutrition. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), frailty was assessed using the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures index (SOF), and dependency was assessed using Lawton's instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scale. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the correlates of undernutrition. Results: The study sample comprised 115 patients aged 65 years or older; 67.8% were women, and the mean age was 76 ± 7.8 years. The prevalence of undernutrition was 21.7% (95% CI = 15.2-30.1%). In our bivariate analysis, the risk of undernutrition was associated with MMSE score, IADL score, frailty, and CES-D score. We found no significant relation between nutrition risk and other variables, such as marital status, pain, or polypharmacy. In the multivariate analysis, the factors associated with the risk of undernutrition were MMSE score (Odd-Ratio (OR): 0.74 (0.58-0.97)) and CES-D score (OR: 1.13 (1.02-1.27)). Conclusions: Cognitive decline and the risk of depression were independently associated with the risk of undernutrition in community-dwelling older people in Guadeloupe. Although we cannot imply causality in this relation, the detection of these three key geriatric syndromes in community-dwelling elders is essential to prevent adverse health outcomes. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Prevalence of undernutrition and associated risk factors among under five children in rural Haldwani

Background: The foundation of any nation is children. Malnutrition in children is global issue that may have both short- and long-term irreversible negative health consequences and thus associated with morbidity and mortality. Aims and Objectives: The study aims to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of under-nutrition among under-five children in rural area of Haldwani. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted on Four hundred children residing in the rural field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Haldwani. Results: The prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was 7.75%, 9.25%, and 4%, respectively among under five children. The risk factors found significantly associated with undernutrition and sociodemographic profile were family size, parent’s education, mother’s occupation, and the socioeconomic class. The maternal factors found significantly associated with undernutrition were intake of iron folic acid tablets during antenatal care and postnatal care period, duration of pregnancy, site of delivery. Prelacteal, colostrum given, exclusive breastfeeding, and age of introducing complementary feeding and occurrence of recurrent diarrhea, recurrent acute respiratory infection, and worm infestation were child characteristics and medical illness found significantly associated with undernutrition. Conclusion: In this study, 17.5% of children were found undernourished. Factors determining undernourishment were parents literacy, social class, type and size of family, iron folic acid taken during pregnancy, feeding practices, immunization status, history of recurrent diarrhea, and other infections in the past 1 year.

Nutritional status of children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Baghdad: a case-control study.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major life-long non-communicable illness correlated with obesity and chronic undernutrition. It is particularly important to monitor the nutritional status of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), as they are still growing and may be affected by the disease or associated conditions like celiac disease. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of children and adolescents with T1DM in Baghdad city and identify possible risk factors for undernutrition. A single-center, case-control study was conducted in Central Child's Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, over 9 months from November 2021 to July 2022. The study included patients with T1DM and healthy controls. Detailed history, clinical examination, and anthropometric measures were performed for all participants in the study. The mean age of the sample was 10.0 ±3.73 years and 8.68±3.1 years in diabetic patients and controls, respectively. Anthropometric measures in patients with type 1 diabetes were significantly lower than those of controls (P<0.001). All patients within the undernourished group were from large-size families compared with 75.76% of the normally nourished group, with a significant difference. The mean age of disease onset in the normal nourished group was 6.61 ± 2.78 years which was significantly earlier than that of the undernourished group (8.83 ± 2.89). Weight-for-age and BMI z-score had a significant negative correlation with HbA1c (r=-0.312, p=0.004, and r=-0.295, p=0.006, respectively). Patients with T1DM had significantly lower anthropometric measures than the normal population. Older children, female gender, large family size, and disease duration are independent predictors of undernutrition in T1DM. BMI and weight-for-age have a significant negative correlation with metabolic control of diabetes represented by HbA1c.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Undernutrition among Older Adults Living in Nonsubsidized Residential Care Homes: A Cross-sectional Descriptive Study

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Undernutrition among Older Adults Living in Nonsubsidized Residential Care Homes: A Cross-sectional Descriptive Study

Risk factors associated with under-five stunting, wasting, and underweight in four provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo: analysis of the ASSP project baseline data

BackgroundDetermining the magnitude and risk factors of undernutrition in a country that has one of the highest prevalence of undernutrition in the world is paramount for developing contextual interventions.MethodsThis study used baseline data from the ASSP project to estimate prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight in four provinces of DRC. It involved 3911 children aged 0–59 months old and mother pairs. Height-for-age Z scores, Weight-for-height Z scores, and Weight-for-age Z scores were calculated and used to classify child stunting, wasting and underweight respectively, based on the 2006 World Health Organization (WHO) growth reference. Hierarchical logistic regressions were used to identify risk factors associated with stunting, wasting and underweight. All analyses were conducted using STATA 15.1, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting was 42.7%, 21.9% and 8.2% respectively. Increasing child’s age was a risk factor associated with stunting and underweight, while sex was not associated with the 3 indicators of undernutrition. Low levels of mother’s education, mothers working in the last 12 months prior to the survey, children living in the province of Kasai occidental, children born at a health facility, children perceived by their mothers to be born very small were associated with higher risks of stunting. Factors associated with underweight were children from the province of Kasai occidental, mothers who worked in the last 12 months prior to the survey, and children perceived to be born very small or small by their mothers. Children born to mothers aged 35–49 years and children breastfed in combination with drinking water were at higher risk of wasting.ConclusionPrevalence of undernutrition in DRC is high. This study has identified certain modifiable risk factors associated with stunting, wasting and underweight. To reduce the burden of undernutrition in DRC, authorities should target factors at individual and community levels by improving women’s education, child feeding practices and promoting agriculture.

Does dental caries lead to stunting and wasting in children?

Design This was a systematic review of the evidence on the impact of dental caries severity and prevalence on undernutrition (wasting and stunting) in children.Study selection The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42018091581). A database search of Medline and Embase was conducted in March 2018 with an updated search in July 2019. Participants were children aged 0-18 years from countries of different income groups. The exposure variable was dental caries reported as prevalence, incidence and/or severity, or changes in those variables. The outcome variable was undernutrition; specifically, wasting (low weight-for-height) and stunting (low height-for-age) in children.Data analysis Evidence was grouped into caries of the permanent dentition, primary dentition, early childhood caries and severe early childhood caries as a risk factor for undernutrition. A best-available-evidence approach was applied to narrative synthesis. Evidence synthesis by vote counting was depicted using harvest plots. The heterogeneous nature of the data prevented a meta-analysis from being appropriate.Results Of the 2,690 studies identified, 117 underwent quality assessment, resulting in 46 studies for narrative synthesis and 38 pertaining to wasting or stunting included in vote counting. The majority of studies were cross-sectional (33 studies).For the permanent dentition, the balance of evidence showed generally no association between caries prevalence or severity with wasting. For the primary dentition, positive associations between dental caries prevalence and severity with wasting, as well as between dental caries prevalence and severity with stunting, were reported. Conclusions Overall, the authors concluded that the balance of evidence favoured an association between dental caries in the primary dentition and undernutrition in children but highlighted the complexity of synthesising dental and nutritional data along with dentition type, age of child participants and income status of countries.

Key predictors of undernutrition among children 6–59 months in the Buea Health District of the Southwest region of Cameroon: a cross sectional community-based survey

BackgroundAccording to the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey, undernutrition remains a public health problem among Cameroonian children under-five. This varies across the country, greatest in areas with ongoing humanitarian crisis, such as the Southwest region. However, data on the burden of undernutrition in the Southwest region is sparse. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of undernutrition among children under-five in the Buea health district of the Southwest region of Cameroon.MethodsThis was a community based cross-sectional study of 321 children under-five/caretaker pairs, surveyed from households selected using multistage randomized sampling. Data were collected by trained data collectors, with the aid of a structured, pre-tested questionnaire that captured information on sociodemographic characteristics, food security, dietary diversity and anthropometric measurements. The weight, height/length and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) were measured using standardized instruments. Stunting, Wasting and Underweight of children were calculated from Z-scores of Height-for-age (HAZ), Weight-for-height (WHZ) and Weight-for-age (WAZ) based on 2006 WHO standards. Data was analysed using SPSS version 27.0. Predictors of malnutrition were obtained using multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsOverall, 31.8% (102/321) of the children were undernourished (26.5% stunted, 1.6% underweight, 3.7% wasted). Drinking water from inappropriate sources (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.30–4.15) and a Dietary Diversity Score < 4 (OR: 2.59, 95%CI: 1.46–4.61) were independently associated with increased risk of stunting. Children of the male sex were more likely to be wasted than females (OR: 5.34, 95%CI: 1.09–26.14).ConclusionChildhood undernutrition, particularly stunting is common in the Buea Health District. Risk factors of undernutrition identified are potentially modifiable, highlighting the need for nutrition specific and sensitive interventions to improve dietary diversity, and the need to improve access to safe drinking water, and educate caretakers on the importance of clean potable water, good sanitation and hygiene for the proper growth and development of their children.

Determinants of undernutrition among young children in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa with the highest burden of childhood undernutrition. Despite the high burden of this scourge, little is known about the magnitude and contributing determinants to anthropometric failure among children aged 0–23 months, a period regarded as the best window of opportunity for interventions against undernutrition. This study examined factors associated with undernutrition (stunting, wasting, and underweight) among Ethiopian children aged 0–23 months. This study used a total weighted sample of 2146 children aged 0–23 months from the 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey. The data were cleaned and weighted using STATA version 14.0. Height-for-age (HFA), weight-for-height (WFH), and weight-for-age (WFA) z-scores < − 2 SD were calculated and classified as stunted, wasting, and underweight, respectively. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression models adjusted for cluster and survey weights were used. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. The overall weighted prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight respectively were 27.21% [95% CI (25.32–29.18)], 7.80% [95% CI (6.71–9.03)], and 16.44% [95% CI (14.90–18.09)] among children aged 0–23 months in Ethiopia. Female children were less likely to be associated with stunting [AOR: 0.68, 95% CI (0.54–0.86)], wasting [AOR: 0.70, 95% CI (0.51, 0.98)], and underweight [AOR: 0.64, 95% CI (0.49, 0.83)] than their male counterparts. Conversely, older children aged 12–17 months [AOR: 2.22, 95% CI (1.52, 3.23)] and 18–23 months [AOR: 4.16, 95% CI (2.75, 6.27)] were significantly at an increased odds of becoming stunted. Similarly, the likelihood of being underweight was higher in older age groups: 6–11 months [AOR: 1.74, 95% CI (1.15, 2.63)], 12–17 months [AOR: 2.13, 95% CI (1.40, 3.24)], and 18–23 months [AOR: 4.08, 95% CI (2.58, 6.44)] compared with the children younger than 6 months. Lower wealth quintile was one of the other significant determinants of stunting and underweight. The study’s findings indicated that the most consistent significant risk factors for undernutrition among children aged 0–23 months are: male sex, older age groups and lower wealth quintile. These findings emphasize the importance of strengthening nutrition-specific and sensitive interventions that address the immediate and underlying drivers of childhood undernutrition in early life, as well as targeting low-income households with male children, in order for Ethiopia to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1,2 and 3 by 2030.