Undernutrition Status Research Articles

Assessing undernutrition of trauma patients with complex soft tissue defects treated at viet duc university hospital using prealbumin serum levels

Purpose: Nutrition is playing an important role in mitigating trauma wounds, especially complex wounds. Undernutrition could cause a delay in the wound healing process and prolonged hospital stay. Thus we have conducted the study aiming to evaluate the nutritional status of trauma patients with complex soft tissue defects for the further recommendation of wound care improvement. Materials and Methodology: A prospective study of patients with complex traumatic wounds who have been treated at the Department of Septic Surgery and Wound care of Viet Duc University Hospital from 2/2020 to 2/2021. Subjects enrolled in this study include both genders, over 18 years old, with trauma wounds, are evaluated the undernutrition by pre albumin serum levels. The data was processed by software SPSS.20.0. Results: A total of 70 patients were diagnosed the complex traumatic wounds, of them, 57 males accounted for 81.4%; 13 females accounting for 18.6%; mean age was 37.1 ± 2.3. The main cause of injuries was road traffic accidents, accounting for 78 %, and occupational accidents accounting for 22%. 21.4% of patients were reported to have soft tissue wounds only, the remaining 78.6% were with complex lesions including tendon and bone damaged. Co-morbidities accounted for 20% (Mellitus diabetes), 15.7% (heart diseases). No one in serious status of undernutrition (pre albumin serum <5.0 mg/dL), however, 5.0 to 10.9 mg/dL accounted for 28.6%, and 15.0 to 35.0 mg/dL accounted for 71.4% respectively. Healing time <1 week was 8.6%, from 1-3 weeks in 72.9%, and more than 3 weeks in 18.5%. Complications with serious necrosis requiring more debridements accounted for 8.6%. Conclusions and Recommendations: Results from the study show that nutritional evaluation is useful in complex traumatic wounds treatment. Careful and daily check of wounds, evaluation of healing progress as well as the patient nutritional status can make the appropriate treatments which might help to improve the healing progress.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN BISKUIT TEMPE TERHADAP PENINGKATAN BERAT BADAN DAN TINGGI BADAN PADA BALITA

Nutritional problems in children under five are a fairly large problem and must receive priority treatment. Nutritional problems that often occur are undernutrition and malnutrition. With this problem, it will hamper the increase in human resources where this situation results in growth and development failure and increases mortality and morbidity rates. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of giving tempeh biscuits to increase in body weight and height in toddlers at UPT Puskesmas Deli Tua. The research design used was a quasi-experimental approach with a one group pre-post test approach. The population in this study were all children under five who were in the working area of the UPT Puskesmas Deli Tua with a total sample of 96 people. Data were analyzed using Paired t-test. The results showed that the average height before the intervention was 104.31cm and after the intervention was 105.05 cm for the average height before the intervention was 17.25kg and after the intervention was 17.64 kg. Based on the results of bivariate analysis, it was found that there was an effect of giving biscuits to changes in height with a p-value of 0.01 and weight in toddlers with a p-value of 0.0001. It is hoped that health workers will provide counseling to increase the growth of toddlers to prevent undernutrition status.

A machine learning classifier approach for identifying the determinants of under-five child undernutrition in Ethiopian administrative zones

BackgroundUndernutrition is the main cause of child death in developing countries. This paper aimed to explore the efficacy of machine learning (ML) approaches in predicting under-five undernutrition in Ethiopian administrative zones and to identify the most important predictors.MethodThe study employed ML techniques using retrospective cross-sectional survey data from Ethiopia, a national-representative data collected in the year (2000, 2005, 2011, and 2016). We explored six commonly used ML algorithms; Logistic regression, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (L-1 regularization logistic regression), L-2 regularization (Ridge), Elastic net, neural network, and random forest (RF). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the curve were used to evaluate the performance of those models.ResultsBased on different performance evaluations, the RF algorithm was selected as the best ML model. In the order of importance; urban–rural settlement, literacy rate of parents, and place of residence were the major determinants of disparities of nutritional status for under-five children among Ethiopian administrative zones.ConclusionOur results showed that the considered machine learning classification algorithms can effectively predict the under-five undernutrition status in Ethiopian administrative zones. Persistent under-five undernutrition status was found in the northern part of Ethiopia. The identification of such high-risk zones could provide useful information to decision-makers trying to reduce child undernutrition.

A glimpse of dietary recommendations for undernutrition children below five years of age in West Bengal

Undernutrition is one of the significant public health issues for developing countries like India. Although a decreasing rate still needs to concentrate more on the stunting and waste cases of under-five children living in every district in India. This short review study has mainly focused on West Bengal’s children under five years of age residing in rural and urban areas with various undernutrition issues. The study’s aim and objective are to assess the current status of undernutrition among children in India, precisely West Bengal. The open-access data from Unicef on stunting estimation and National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS-5) data on key indicators for West Bengal were computed and analyzed as per available information. In addition, the nutrients data from Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) were also selected as per the requirements of 0-5 years of Indian children. Apart from basic level analysis, the dietary recommendations were also emphasized for the parents and stakeholders related to government and private community nutrition works. Moreover, the study shows a glimpse of undernutrition status and dietary recommendations for the below five years of children in rural and urban settings to make children nutritious.

Assessment of nutritional status of children (12-36 months of age) in urban area of district Rohtak, Haryana: a cross-sectional study

Background: Children 1-3 years of age are most vulnerable to the vicious cycles of malnutrition, disease/infection and resultant disability all of which influence the present condition of a child at the microlevel and the future human resource development of the nation at the macrolevel.Methods: Urban field practice area attached to the department of community medicine, Pt. B. D Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak being served by 14 anganwadi centres out of which 8 anganwadi centres were selected randomly. From each selected anganwadi centre, 22 children of 1-3 years of age group were selected by simple random sampling, thus, a sample of 176 children were included in the study.Results: Overall prevalence of undernutrition in our study was found as follows: wasted 14.1%; underweight 20.0%; stunted 24.1%. Inverse relation between prevalence of undernutrition and educational status of mother was observed. Children who were >3 in birth order had high prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweight. Children with low birth weight were having higher percentages of wasting, stunting, and underweight. Children who took supplementary nutrition regularly from AWC were less likely to be undernourished.Conclusions: Every endeavor should be made to combat the outcomes of undernutrition through multipronged approach such as growth monitoring, nutritional supplementation etc., Also, present study findings reinforce the importance of proper infant and child feeding practices and appropriate maternal care in prevention of childhood undernutrition.

Interactions between Food Environment and (Un)healthy Consumption: Evidence along a Rural-Urban Transect in Viet Nam

There is limited evidence on food environment in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) and the application of food environment frameworks and associated metrics in such settings. Our study examines how food environment varies across an urban-peri-urban-rural gradient from three sites in North Viet Nam and its relationship with child undernutrition status and household consumption of processed food. By comparing three food environments, we present a picture of the food environment in a typical emerging economy with specific features such as non-market food sources (own production and food transfers) and dominance of the informal retail sector. We combined quantitative data (static geospatial data at neighborhood level and household survey) and qualitative data (in-depth interviews with shoppers). We found that across the three study sites, traditional open and street markets remain the most important outlets for respondents. Contrary to the common concern that urban households are the major consumers of processed foods, peri-urban and rural areas on average had higher consumption of ultra-processed foods than in urban areas. The low price levels of processed foods and the presence of processed foods even among the traditional convenience stores, those in closest proximity to the rural households, offer potential explanations of this result. Regarding undernutrition, low retail diversity and a household’s dependence on own production have important implications for the high prevalence of child undernutrition in rural areas. Our findings add to the current discussion on the critical role of the food environment on nutrition, such as the potential link between economic marginalization and access to food, and the role of food supply channels in consumption of processed foods.

Teenage Birth Leads to Short Stature and Anemia: Evidence From a Longitudinal Study of 10,000 Girls in India

ObjectivesHome to one in five adolescents globally and a tradition of marrying young, India faces a huge challenge of teenage births. Early birth can be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of the teenage mother and her child, but few studies have followed teenage girls over time to understand these effects. We assessed the impact of early birth on female adolescents’ undernutrition status. MethodsWe used longitudinal data collected under a project called UDAYA that surveyed adolescent girls in northern India (Uttar Pradesh and Bihar) in 2015–16, with a follow-up round in 2018–19. Girls with no prior birth in round one were grouped as follows: still no birth in round two (reference group; n = 7,197), birth at age < 19 years by round two (early birth group; EB; n = 1,192), and birth at age > = 19 years by round two (later birth group; LB; n = 1,474). Using multivariate logistic and ordinary least square regression models, we examined whether EB or LB predicted height for age z-score (HAZ), stunting, BMI for age z-score (BMIZ), thinness, hemoglobin (Hb), and anemia. Models were controlled for cluster sampling design and individual and household characteristics. ResultsThe prevalence of undernutrition was higher in the EB group (stunting: 53%, thinness: 23%, anemia: 77%) and the LB group (stunting: 55%, thinness: 29%, anemia: 64%) compared to the reference group (stunting: 35%, thinness: 16%, anemia: 63%). The EB group was more likely to be short for their age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.30, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.96,1.76), thin (AOR: 1.09, 95%CI: 0.68, 1.75), and anemic (AOR: 2.01, 95%CI: 1.39, 2.90) compared to the reference group. HAZ and Hb levels were on average 0.16 SD (95%CI: –0.30, –0.03) and 0.49 gm/DL (95%CI: –0.76, –0.22) lower, respectively, and BMIZ level was 0.22 SD (95%CI: 0.00, 0.43) higher for the EB group. Similar findings were observed for the LB group but were non-significant. The impact of EB on stunting and thinness was non-significant. ConclusionsIn adolescent girls, early birth can contribute to stunting and anemia. Policy initiatives to increase age at marriage and at birth would likely also benefit nutritional outcomes in adolescents. Funding SourcesBill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Association between household fuel types and undernutrition status of adults and children under 5 years in 14 low and middle income countries

Polluting biomass fuel use has adverse effects on human health, but there are limited studies exploring the association between biomass fuel use and undernutrition in adult and child population. The study aims to investigate the association between biomass fuel use and undernutrition status of adults and children under 5 years of age in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Data were from the Demographic and Health Surveys in 14 LMICs. The main exposure variable was type of fuel the household mainly used for cooking. Linear regression models and Modified Poisson regression models with robust error variance in consideration of complex survey design were used to estimate the association between type of fuel used for cooking and the outcomes of interest. Personal and household data were collected by questionnaire, and anthropometry data were collected by measurement with a standardised protocol. A total of 532 987 households were included in the analysis, and the majority of households (63.9%) used high polluting fuels. For women, use of high polluting fuels lead to a 0.66 kg m−2 (95% CI: −0.74, −0.58) decrease in BMI and a 10% (95% CI: 7%, 13%) higher risk of underweight. For men, high polluting fuels lead to a 0.63 kg m−2 (95% CI: −0.88, −0.38) decrease in BMI and a 11% (95% CI: 5%, 18%) higher risk of underweight. For children, high polluting fuels resulted in a 0.16 (95% CI: −0.20, −0.11), 0.17 (95% CI: −0.22, −0.11), and 0.09 (95% CI: −0.14, −0.04) unit decrease in weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-for-height z scores, respectively; high polluting fuel use can lead to a 10% (95% CI: 3%, 18%) higher risk of underweight and a 13% (95% CI: 7%, 19%) higher risk of stunting, respectively. Effective interventions should be adopted by policymakers to accelerate the transition of polluting fuels to cleaner energy in LMICs.

Impact of the controlling nutritional status score on severe postoperative complications of pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer.

The controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score is a useful biomarker to evaluate undernutrition. However, there have been few reports describing the correlation between postoperative complications and the CONUT score for pancreatic cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of the CONUT score on the postoperative complications of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in patients with pancreatic cancer. We retrospectively analyzed 206 consecutive patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent PD over a 12-year duration at our institution. The patients were divided into two groups based on preoperative CONUT scores; their clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared. Furthermore, we compared the CONUT score with preoperative clinical factors and several nutritional biomarkers for postoperative complications using univariate and multivariate analyses. Postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ IIIa and those of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ IIIb occurred in 29 (14.1%) and 9 (4.4%) patients, respectively. The high CONUT score (≥5) group indicated that patients with an undernutrition status had a higher postoperative complication rate, poorer relapse-free survival, and overall survival rates than the low CONUT score (≤4) group. Among preoperative clinical factors, a high CONUT score was an independent risk factor for severe postoperative complications. The CONUT score may be a useful parameter in the identification of patients undergoing pancreatic surgery who are susceptible to postoperative complications.

Household Food Insecurity is Associated with Undernutrition among Primary School Children in Aden Governorate, Yemen

Food insecurity is typically linked with undernutrition. However, there is little published data available on the association between household food insecurity and undernutrition status of the primary school children aged 6–12 years in Aden, Yemen. The purpose of this research was to analyse the association between household food insecurity and the undernutrition status of the children. A cross-sectional study was carried out among primary school children from grades I to VI in the government schools (n=525). A simple questionnaire, face-to-face interview with parents, and Radimer/Cornell hunger and food insecurity tool were utilized for the data collection. Anthropometric measurements (weight & height) of the children were also recorded. Upon analysis, 70% of the surveyed children came from a food secure household, whilst 30% experienced some type of food insecurity. Education level of the father (p<0.03), employment of the mother (p<0.00), overall household income (p<0.01), income per capita (p<0.01) and number of working persons per household (p<0.00) were all significant variables associated with food insecurity among these households. Results also showed that the frequency of underweight, stunting and wasting among the children was 19%, 17% and 10%, respectively. Significant associations were found between household food insecurity and the state of being underweight, stunting and wasting. Importantly, the association between household food insecurity and undernutrition status continued even after adjustment for significant variables. In conclusion, household food insecurity was significantly associated with undernutrition status of the primary school children in Aden’s Governorate, Yemen.

Status of undernutrition of left-behind children under 6 years old in rural China in 2013

To analyze and describe the status and characteristics of undernutrition among left-behind children under 6 years old in rural China in 2013. Data was from the China Nutrition and Health Surveillance among 0-5 Years Old Children and Lactating Women in 2013. Stratified multistage cluster sampling method was used, and 4576 participants under 6 years old from 55 sites of 30 provinces, autonomous region and municipalities were involved. Definition of undernutrition were according to the WHO 2006 growth standard in children less than 5 years old and the WHO 2007 growth reference in children of 5 years old. Results were computed by post stratification weight based on national census from the National Bureau of Statistics in 2010. The prevalence of stunting was 10. 6% among left-behind children under 6 years old in rural China in 2013. It was 11. 6% in boys and 9. 4% in girls. The rate of general rural area and poor rural area were 7. 1% and 16. 6%. The prevalence of stunting showed a significant difference in sex(P=0. 022), general rural and poor rural(P=0. 006), three regions(P=0. 003), parental type of outing(P=0. 005), mother&apos;s education(P&lt;0. 001), annual per capita household income(P&lt;0. 001). The prevalence of underweight was 3. 2% among left-behind children under 6 years old in rural China in 2013. It was 3. 4% in boys and 2. 9% in girls. The rate of general rural area and poor rural area were 1. 6% and 2. 0%. The prevalence of stunting showed a significant difference in general rural and poor rural(P&lt;0. 001), three regions(P&lt;0. 001), annual per capita household income(P=0. 0144), mother&apos;s education(P&lt;0. 001). The prevalence of wasting was 2. 3% among left-behind children under 6 years old in rural China in 2013. It was 2. 3% in boys and 2. 2% in girls. The rate of general rural area and poor rural area were 1. 5%, 3. 5%. The prevalence of stunting of general rural showed a significant difference in parental type of outing(P=0. 033), the prevalence of stunting of poor rural showed a significant difference in mother&apos;s education(P&lt;0. 001), annual per capita household income(P=0. 020). The undernutrition rate among left-behind children under the age of 6 in rural China should be paid attention, especially in the higher subgroups of poor rural areas, western regions, low-income families, mothers away from home and mothers with less than junior middle school education.

Assessment of gaps of knowledge and practices of frontline community workers in Chandragiri Mandal, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh: maternal and child health services

Background: The undernutrition status among the vulnerable groups in rural areas still persists, despite provision of Anganwadi services in villages. Assessment knowledge and practices about maternal and child health services of frontline workers, will identify knowledge and implementation gaps. Objective was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of community health workers of maternal and child health services for identifying gaps for designing and implementing intervention.Methods: In this community based prospective, pre and post intervention-based study, Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of the community health workers, in 16 villages and 13 Anganwadi centres of Chandragiri Mandal, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh about maternal and child health services were collected. The basic infrastructure of the anganwadis and health centres of Auxiliary nurse midwifes were assessed using a prevalidated survey instrument. Descriptive analysis was used.Results: The knowledge of antenatal and postnatal care was least among Anganwadi workers. Awareness regarding need of colostrum feeding was high in AWW compared to ASHA. ANM and AWW had lesser knowledge about duration of the exclusive breast feeding to the infant. Only 57.1% of ANM had sufficient knowledge about protein energy malnutrition consequences. AWW, ASHA did not have knowledge of vitamin A deficiency signs and symptoms although providing massive dose of vitamin A to children. ASHAs did not have awareness about anaemia and the knowledge was below 50% in ANMs.Conclusions: The study emphasizes the need for proper training with interactive sessions to these frontline workers, which will enhance their knowledge and skills for provision of quality services.

Prevalence of Undernutrition and Effect of Body Weight Loss on Survival among Pediatric Cancer Patients in Northeastern Hungary.

Undernutrition is a prevalent condition in pediatric malignancy patients leading to unfavorable outcomes. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the nutritional status and rate of undernutrition in 174 Hungarian pediatric patients with malignancies and the impact on 5-year survival based on anthropometric measurements. At the time of diagnosis, 5.0%, 4.6%, and 4.0% of patients were undernourished as determined by body weight (BW), weight-for-height (WFH), and body mass index (BMI) Z-score, respectively. The rate of undernutrition was 30.5% using ideal body weight percent (IBW%). Undernutrition at the time of diagnosis worsened the five-year overall survival only in solid tumor patients as defined by BMI Z-score and IBW%. Furthermore, 26.5% of patients became undernourished based on IBW% during the treatment period. Deterioration of nutritional status during treatment unfavorably influenced overall survival in both hematological and solid tumor subsets. Abnormal BW, WFH, and BMI Z-score were associated with poor prognosis in the hematologic group. The mortality risk was higher among hematologic patients with weight loss exceeding 20%. In conclusion, IBW% seems to be the most sensitive parameter to estimate undernutrition. Furthermore, BMI Z-score in both groups and severe weight loss in the hematological group may influence clinical outcome and play a role in prognosis assessment.

Correlations between Nutritional Status, Iron Intake, and Fine Motor Development in Infants Aged 6-11 Months

Background: Undernutrition can inhibit growth and development. Specifically, in deve­lopment, it can change the structure and function of the brain. Fine motor development in infants is affected by many factors such as undernutrition and iron intake. Undernutrition status can occur due to unfulfilled nutritional intake. Iron defi­ci­ency can negatively affect fine motor develop­ment in children. This study aimed to determine the correlation of nutritional status, iron intake, and fine motor development in infants aged 6-11 months. Subjects and Method: This was a cross-sec­tional study conducted at eight Community Health Centers in Kulon Progo Regency, Yogya­karta, Indonesia. A total of 201 infants aged 6-11 months were randomly selected as the sample of the study. The dependent variable was fine motor development. The independent variable was status (Weight/Age). The data on fine motor development were measured by a Prescreening Developmental Questionnaire (PDQ). The data were analyzed by Chi-square. Results: Good nutritional status increased fine motor development in infants aged 6-11 months (OR= 7.12; 95% CI= 3.03 to 16.73; p<0.001). There was no difference between iron intake and fine motor development (OR= 0.61; 95% CI= 0.20 to 1.83; p= 0.469). Conclusion: Good nutritional status increases fine motor development in infants age 6-11 months. Keywords: fine motor development, nutritional status, iron intake Correspondence: Catur Retno Lestari. Masters Program in Nutrition, Universitas Sebelas Maret. Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia. Email: caturretno.lestari@gmail.com. Journal of Maternal and Child Health (2020), 5(4): 396-401 https://doi.org/10.26911/thejmch.2020.05.04.06

Underweight and Associated Factors Among Teenage Adolescent Girls in Resource-poor Settings: A Cross-sectional Study.

Background and PurposeUnderstanding the undernutrition status of teenage adolescent girls living in urban slums and its associated factors is meaningful to formulate customized health strategies. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of being underweight and associated factors among teenage adolescent girls in urban slums.Materials and MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we enrolled a total of 418 teenage adolescent girls from five of 210 urban slums of Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh, India employing two-stage probability sampling for the selection of households and subjects, between September 2016 and July 2017. The study of underwight subjects was assessed with BMI for age using standard criteria. Factors associated with being underweight were determined by multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsOf 418 study subjects, 49.76% (208/418) were underweight. Results revealed that sociodemographic factors such as teenage adolescent girls who were from SC/ST (schedule caste/schedule tribe) caste/ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.02, 95%CI: 1.00–4.23), subjects whose father’s education level was primary or lower (AOR=1.87, 95%CI: 1.12–3.11), and number of people in the family >4 (AOR=2.18, 95%CI: 1.18–4.03) were associated with being underweight. Likewise, dietary behavior-related factors such as vegetarian (AOR=2.21, 95%CI: 1.25–3.92), and <3 meals per day (AOR=2.36, 95%CI: 1.40–3.98) than their counterparts were associated with being underweight. In addition, teenage adolescent girls from food-insecure households (AOR=3.33, 95%CI: 2.01–5.51) were more likely to be underweight than those from food-secure households.ConclusionThe higher burden of underweight among teenage adolescent girls in Indian urban slums needs to be addressed through specific public health interventions such as by improving education, providing education regarding dietary behavior, and having access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious foods.

Gender and age differences in the relationship between calorie, macronutrients intake and growth status of school-aged Aboriginal children at Labu, Negeri Sembilan

PurposeThis study aimed to determine the relationship between calorie and macronutrients intake and the growth status of Aboriginal children based on gender and age group.Design/methodology/approachThis was a cross-sectional study participated by 85 school-aged Aboriginal children at Labu, Negeri Sembilan. The dietary intake and socioeconomic status data were collected from the parents using an interviewer administrated structured-questionnaire and 24-hour dietary recall. WHO AnthroPlus software was used to determine the z-score of weight for age (WAZ), height for age (HAZ) and body mass index (BMI) for age (BAZ).FindingsThe mean fat intake was significantly higher among younger children (i.e. 7–9 years old) as compared to elder children (i.e. 10–12 years old) (40.7 ± 17.3 g vs 32.0 ± 13.8 g; t = 2.496, p = 0.015) but not for the mean intake of calorie (1816.1 ± 979.9 kcal vs 1566.3 ± 808.7 kcal; t = 1.248, p = 0.216), protein (50.13 ± 20.08 g vs 44.94 ± 16.45 g; t = 1.269, p = 0.208) and carbohydrates (198.0 ± 63.0 g vs 190.8 ± 66.1 g; t = 0.513, p = 0.609). The majority of the respondents did not meet recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for the calorie (65.9%) and fat (75.3%). A significantly higher proportion of elder children did not meet RNI for fat as compared to younger children (88.8% vs 65.3%; X2 = 6.21, p = 0.021). The HAZ showed that 28.2% (n = 24) of the Aboriginal children were stunted, while WAZ showed that 14.8% (n = 9) of the Aboriginal students were underweight, and 8.2% of them were overweight. Based on BAZ classification, 15.4% (n = 6) of boys and 2.2% (n = 1) of girls were overweight. There is no significant correlation between calories and macronutrients and growth status of the children.Originality/valueAlthough the under-nutrition status among Aboriginal children is still a highlighted issue, the few over-nutrition statuses among Aborigines should be taken into count, especially in term of energy and macronutrient intake.

Impacts of undernutrition and maternal oral health status on dental caries in Korean children aged 3-5 years.

The association between nutrition and oral health has been studied in the elderly. This study aimed to examine the impacts of undernutrition and the mothers' socioeconomic and oral health statuses on the incidence of dental caries in Korean preschool children. Data of 610 children aged 3-5years and their mothers who underwent oral examinations and responded to the questionnaires in the 6th KNAHNES were used. Caries prevalence was measured by dft and dt among the primary teeth in children and DMFT among mothers. Dietary reference intake values were used to evaluate nutritional status, a nutritional quality index and the mean nutrient adequacy ratio. Complex sample correlation analysis was performed by using children's dft and dt statuses as dependent variables. Multilevel linear regression was applied to investigate the impacts of undernutrition and mothers' socioeconomic and oral health status on children's dft and dt statuses. Statistical significance was set as P<.05. Factors significantly related to dft in children were age and food. Food insecurity was the only factor significantly associated with dt in children. Children's sex and mother's DMFT were likely to be relevant to dft in children. Children's age and a nutritional quality index value less than 1 were also likely to be relevant to the dt of children. Children with an undernourished status had a higher caries experience. A comprehensive community dental health promotion programme should be developed to prevent the incidence of dental caries in vulnerable undernourished children.

The roles of social economic status and undernutrition in regional disparities of the under‐five mortality rate in Vietnam

From 2005 to 2017, the prevalence of mortality in Vietnamese children under five years old showed large regional disparities. In 2017, mortality in the wealthiest region was 12.6‰, whereas the most disadvantaged region it was three times as high, at 36‰. This study aims to identify factors affecting regional disparities of the under-five mortality rate (U5MR) in Vietnam. We applied Structural Equation Modelling to estimate the degree and the pathway through which undernutrition and socio-economic status (SES) contributed to the under-five mortality disparities. SES is estimated as a common latent factor of three socio-economic measures, that is, education, poverty and income. The direct effect of SES on U5MR is at 2.16 through the underweight pathway, which is 5 times higher than the effect of underweight on U5MR. Through the stunting channel, this direct impact is 1.43, nearly twice as high as the impact of the stunting rate. SES also has an indirect effect on U5MR through these undernutrition pathways. In total, we estimate that an increase in SES index will make the U5MR increase by 2.73‰. Among the three indicators of SES, poverty conveys the strongest signal of a considerable change in SES, thus to a subsequent change in U5MR. Among two types of undernutrition, the effect of stunting on U5MR is dominant, more than 3 times as high as that of underweight. These findings have important implications for socio-economic and health interventions: those that strongly focus on the reduction of regional poverty and stunting rates would be effective in bridging the regional gap in the U5MR in Vietnam.

Scenario of under nutrition among under five years children in India and its states: findings from National Family Health Survey

Background: The status of undernutrition among under 5years children living in India is a public health concern. Our study identified contributed factors of undernutrition and current scenario of undernutrition among children living across Indian states. Objective of the study was to know the current scenario of undernutrition among under 5 years children across Indian states and to examine the associated factors with this.Methods: This study used data from 4th round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) that was coordinated by International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) during 2015-16 under the ministry of health and family welfare, GoI. Multiple logistic regression model was done to study the association between outcome (under nutrition) and socio-economic and bio-medical predictors.Results: This study identified four empowered action group (EAG) states as the problem states because of the greater number of undernourished children living in these states than other Indian states. The children whose mothers were fully exposed to mass media like newspapers/radio/television, have lower prevalence of undernutrition (50.6%). The results of multiple logistic regression revealed that the children belonging to poorest households were 2 times more likely [OR-CI, 2.35 (2.27-2.44)] to be undernourished than those belonging to richest.Conclusions: Undernutrition can be reduced through awareness with the help of mass media, providing higher education to women and reducing socio-economic inequalities. It is necessary to re-think about nutritional policy with respect to children under 5 years and frame a full proof implementation plan to reduce undernutrition in India.

IYCN practices and nutritional status of young children (0-5 years) in Gujarat: insights from national data sets

Introduction: People are at the core of sustainable development. Individual wellbeing is essential to sustaining the inter-generational gains in health, productivity and social engagement that underpin the sustainable development agenda. Recently, India stands with a population of 1.37 billion population in which Gujarat has population of 6.27 crores. (World Population Review 2019)11. Globally, one in three children under the age of 5 is stunted, wasted or overweight and, in some cases suffers from a combination of two of these forms of malnutrition. India comprises almost 13.1 per cent of child population aged 0-6 years. Manifestations of malnutrition emerge not only from food insecurity but also from poor child care and awareness towards it. The present paper is an attempt to review the status of IYCN practices and child’s malnutrition status in Gujarat. Materials and Methods: Using available NFHS data sheets and other comparable data sets, an attempt is made to understand the magnitude of undernutrition in children below 5 years. The paper is based on the secondary data from various published reports of the government of India. Main findings: Recently conducted NFHS - 4 provides data on children feeding practice and their Nutritional status. India accounted almost 43 per cent of children underweight against 47 percent in Gujarat. Over the years, feeding Practice like early initiation of breastfeeding within one hr of birth, exclusive breastfeeding and introducing complementary feeding with adequate diet was found to be better in Gujarat State as compared to India. Malnutrition among the children reduced significantly over the time, but still the number of undernourished children is very high in the state. Conclusion: There is a declining trend in nutritional status of undernutrition in children and improvement in IYCN practices in Gujarat, the concerns still remain for its pace as we need to achieve new targets of Rashtriya Poshan Abhiyan by 2022. The paper rei