scholarly journals Severe acute malnutrition and its associated factors among under-five children in two districts of Nepal

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umesh Ghimire ◽  
Binod Kumar Aryal ◽  
Ankush Kumar Gupta ◽  
Suman Sapkota Sapkota

Abstract Background: Despite consistent efforts to enhance nutritional child nutrition, poor nutritional status of children continues to be a major public health problem in Nepal. This study identified the predictors of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) among children aged 6-59 months in the two districts of Nepal. Methods: We used data from a cross-sectional study conducted among mothers of 6 to 59 months children admitted to the Outpatient Therapeutic Centres (OTCs). The nutritional status of 398 children was assessed using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement. To evaluate associated factors with SAM, adjusted odds ratio was computed using multivariate logistic regression and p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Among 398 children, 5.8 percent were found to be severely malnourished including under-two years and female children. Family size (five or more members) (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 3.96; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.23 - 12.71) was positively associated with SAM. Children from severely food insecure households (AOR: 4.04; 95% CI: 1.88-10.53) were four times more likely to be severely malnourished. Younger age-group (AOR: 12.10; 95% CI: 2.06 - 71.09) children (0 - 12 vs. 24 - 59 months) were significantly associated with childhood undernutrition. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated that household size, household food access, and child’s age were the major predictors of severe acute malnutrition. Hence, nutrition health programs should be targeted to improve the nutritional status of children by ensuring household food access by focusing poor families engaging them in kitchen gardening to promote nutritious diet to the children.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umesh Ghimire ◽  
Binod Kumar Aryal ◽  
Ankush Kumar Gupta ◽  
Suman Sapkota Sapkota

Abstract Background: Despite consistent efforts to enhance child nutrition, poor nutritional status of children continues to be a major public health problem in Nepal. This study identified the predictors of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) among children aged 6-59 months in the two districts of Nepal. Methods: We used data from a cross-sectional study conducted among 6 to 59 months children admitted to the Outpatient Therapeutic Care Centres (OTCC). The nutritional status of children was assessed using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement. To determine which variables predict the occurrence of SAM, adjusted odds ratio was computed using multivariate logistic regression and p-value <0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Out of 398 children, 5.8 percent were severely malnourished and the higher percentage of female children were malnourished. Multivariate analysis showed that severe acute malnutrition was significantly associated with family size (five or more members) (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 3.96; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.23 - 12.71). Children from severely food insecure households (AOR: 4.04; 95% CI: 1.88-10.53) were four times more likely to be severely malnourished. Higher odds of SAM were found among younger age-group (AOR: 12.10; 95% CI: 2.06 - 71.09) children (0 - 12 vs. 24 - 59 months). . Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated that household size, household food access, and the child’s age were the major predictors of severe acute malnutrition. Engaging poor families in kitchen gardening to ensure household food access and nutritious diet to the children, along with health education and promotion to the mothers of young children are therefore recommended to reduce child undernutrition.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Umesh Ghimire ◽  
Binod Kumar Aryal ◽  
Ankush Kumar Gupta ◽  
Suman Sapkota

Abstract Background Despite consistent efforts to enhance child nutrition, poor nutritional status of children continues to be a major public health problem in Nepal. This study identified the predictors of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) among children aged 6 to 59 months in the two districts of Nepal. Methods We used data from a cross-sectional study conducted among 6 to 59 months children admitted to the Outpatient Therapeutic Care Centers (OTCC). The nutritional status of children was assessed using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement. To determine which variables predict the occurrence of SAM, adjusted odds ratio was computed using multivariate logistic regression and p-value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results Out of 398 children, 5.8% were severely malnourished and the higher percentage of female children were malnourished. Multivariate analysis showed that severe acute malnutrition was significantly associated with family size (five or more members) (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 3.96; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.23–12.71). Children from severely food insecure households (AOR: 4.04; 95% CI: 1.88–10.53) were four times more likely to be severely malnourished. Higher odds of SAM were found among younger age-group (AOR: 12.10; 95% CI: 2.06–71.09) children (0–12 vs. 24–59 months). Conclusions The findings of this study indicated that household size, household food access, and the child’s age were the major predictors of severe acute malnutrition. Engaging poor families in kitchen gardening to ensure household food access and nutritious diet to the children, along with health education and promotion to the mothers of young children are therefore recommended to reduce child undernutrition.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umesh Ghimire ◽  
Binod Kumar Aryal ◽  
Ankush Kumar Gupta ◽  
Suman Sapkota Sapkota

Abstract Background : The main objective of this study was to identify the risk factors of severe acute malnutrition in under-five children in the two districts of Nepal. Methods: Using a mid-upper arm circumference measure, nutritional status along with the associated factors underlying determinants of undernutrition of 404 children who visited the Outpatient Therapeutic Centres were assessed using a validated structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and associated variables. Results: The odds of a child being in the SAM category increased significantly if the family have five or more children and if the household yearly income is below an average. The children in the Madhesi family were 3.6 times more likely to be malnourished. Toilet facility (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 4.45; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.88-10.53) and family with no kitchen garden (AOR: 3.16; 95% CI: 1.28-7.89) were significantly associated with SAM among under five children. Children from moderate food insecure and severe food insecure households were 3.2 and 5.5 times more likely to be malnourished respectively. Compared to the mothers with no job, mother with some sort of paid job had more than six times higher odds of having severely acute malnourished children.Conclusions: These findings suggest that the nutrition interventions as well as awareness on child feeding practices are crucial to improve the nutritional status of children especially among Madhesi community, poorer households and among illiterate mothers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 183-183
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Kigbu Francis ◽  
Titilayo Bamidele ◽  
Micheal Enemali

Abstract Objectives Malnutrition is a major public health challenge in developing countries and as such the nutritional status of children serve as an indicator to rate the overall well-being of a society. In this study, we assessed the nutritional status of under-five children attending Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, Nigeria. Methods After ethical clearance, 165 under five children were randomly recruited into the study. The socio-demographic and nutritional information of the children and mother were obtained using structured questionnaires. Anthropometric assessment was done on each child and blood samples analyzed using standard biochemical techniques. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results Out of the 165 children recruited for this study, 51.5% were males. 41.2% of the children showed prevalence of Global Malnutrition, 15.8% and 25.5% indicated moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) respectively. 66.1% of the children had Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measures in the normal range of 12.5–14.6 cm. There is a significant relationship between nutritional knowledge of the mother, socioeconomic status, child feeding practices, and the nutritional status of their children (P &lt; 0.05). The biochemical parameters studied reported that average PCV (33.32 ± 4.49) and total protein (34.53 ± 13.26 g/L) were lower than the normal range, glucose (4.52 ± 0.97 mmol/L) and Calcium (2.14 ± 0.25 mmol/L) were within the normal range and Albumin (64.16 ± 16.87 g/L) was above the normal range. Conclusions This study has successfully revealed the nutritional status of under five years children in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Our findings have critical implications for intervention initiatives among children in Nigeria. Funding Sources Self funded.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Asmita Shrestha ◽  
Chet Kant Bhusal ◽  
Binjwala Shrestha ◽  
Kiran Dev Bhattarai

Background. Malnutrition is a major public health problem and most enveloping cause of morbidity and mortality among children and adolescents throughout the world. This study was aimed at assessing the nutritional status and associated factors among 6-10-year-old children in selected earthquake-affected areas of Gorkha district, Nepal. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study among 420 mothers having children of age groups 6-10 years (with anthropometric measurement among children) was conducted using a mixed method in selected earthquake-affected areas of Gorkha district, Nepal, from October 2015 to April 2016. Gorkha was selected purposively from 14 earthquake-affected districts. Two village development committees were selected randomly among 6 having severe impact. Randomly, 5 wards were selected from each of the 2 village development committees. As the sample was 420, 42 children were selected randomly from every ward. Result. Among the 420 children, 31.9% were underweight, 51.9% were stunted, and 2.9% were wasted after the earthquake. Children who were more prone to being underweight were the following: male children (RR=1.34 95% CI: 1.01-1.78) and children from illiterate mothers (RR=2.49, 95% CI: 1.85-3.36), illiterate fathers (RR=1.73, 95% CI: 1.32-2.27), and homemaker mothers (RR=0.28, 95% CI: 0.20-0.38); children whose families were using nonimproved sources of water (RR=2.60, 95% CI: 1.07-6.60); and households having food insecurity (RR=12.97, 95% CI: 3.29-51.18). Similarly, children of illiterate fathers (RR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.41-1.97), children of illiterate mothers (RR=2.32, 95% CI: 1.91-2.83), children of homemaker mothers (RR=0.59, 95% CI: 0.49-0.70), children whose family were using treated water (RR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.15-0.67), and children from food insecure households (RR=10.52, CI: 4.05-27.33) were found to be stunted. After adjustment, children from households consuming nonimproved water were 6 times more likely (OR=6.75; 95% CI: 1.59-28.62) to be wasted. Conclusion. Illiterate mothers, illiterate fathers, mothers engaged in occupation other than household work, and food insecure households were found to be independent predictors of underweight and stunting. Nonimproved source of drinking water was found to be independent predictors of wasting.


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 246
Author(s):  
Syed Manazir Ali ◽  
Hari Shankar Meshram

Background: Hypoglycemia is a known complication of SAM which is to be managed early to prevent morbidity and mortality. There is lack of literature regarding hypoglycemia and its associated factors in SAM children. This study aimed to evaluate predicting factors associated with hypoglycemia in children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in NRC.Methods: In this case-control design, we compared clinical and laboratory characteristics of children with and without hypoglycemia taken from a population of 299 children with SAM admitted in NRC.Results: Prevalence of hypoglycemia in SAM was 14%. Amongst the association it was found that deranged creatinine (P value of 0.002, odds ratio 2.9, 95% C.I.1.48 - 5.97) and deranged urea (P value 0.0001, odds ratio 3.6, 95% C.I. 1.79 - 7.2) were statistically significant. Diarrhoea (P value 0.7, odds ratio 1.14, 95% C.I. 0.57 - 2.26), leucocytosis (P value 0.23, odds ratio 0.54, 95% C.I. 0.21 - 2.26), leucopenia ( P value 0.6, odds ratio 0.42, 95% C.I. 0.05 - 3.35) were found statistically insignificant.Conclusions: Azotemia in SAM was found significantly associated with hyponatremia. 


Author(s):  
Abhay Gondikar ◽  
Tejaswini V. Sangrulkar ◽  
Tanuja R. Brahmankar

Background: Children between 1 to 6 years of age in India constitute 15% of total population as against 7% in the developed countries. Nutrition of these children is of prime importance as they are most vulnerable to malnutrition. Anthropometry has become a practical tool for evaluating the nutritional status of children in developing countries which is the best indicator of global wellbeing of children. The objectives were to study nutritional status of study subjects and to identify various socio-demographic risk factors associated with under-nutrition.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out in 205 Children of 0-6 years of age registered in Anganwadis in adopted urban slum area of community medicine department of Government Medical College, Miraj during January –December 2014. Data was collected using a pre-designed proforma and was analyzed at 5% level of statistical significance. For all the classifications in study WHO classifications were used.Results: Out of 205 children, 113 (55.12%) were males and 92 (44.88%) were females. Majority were Hindus (54.1%), from joint family (67.8%), belonged to class IV Socio-economic status, with literate parents (81% fathers and 70.7% mothers), having maternal age between 20-30 years, having birth order one (37.5%), were attending Anganwadi regularly (71.7%), completed their immunization as per age (92.2%). Prevalence of malnutrition was 26.8% (Weight for height or length). 32 (15.6%) children were underweight, 20 (9.8%) children were in MAM i.e. moderate acute malnutrition, and 03 (1.4%) were in SAM i.e. severe acute malnutrition. Prevalence of malnutrition in 166 under 5 children was 72.9 %. 94 (56.6%) children were underweight, 24 (14.5%) children were in MAM, and 03 (1.8%) were in SAM. Prevalence of stunting was 64.5%.  Majority children had normal mid arm circumference.Conclusions: Undernutrition was more prevalent in age group of 13-24 months, females, Hindus, class 4 SES, in those having illiterate mothers, in children having birth order one and those with incomplete immunization.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Alayou Geletaw ◽  
Gudina Egata ◽  
Fitsum Weldegebreal ◽  
Gesessew Kibr ◽  
Mohammed Semaw

Background. Child undernourishment is the disturbance of body function arising from a dietary imbalance between body demand and supply, which is the most serious public health problem in developing countries. Objective. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of nutritional status and associated factors among full-cycle primary schoolchildren in pastoral communities in the Mieso-Mulu district, Sitti Zone, Somali Regional State of Ethiopia. Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study design was used. Study participants were selected using two-stage sampling procedures. Data were collected using structured, translated, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaires. The weight and height were measured using a calibrated digital scale and a Seca Rod stadiometer, respectively. Microscopic identification of intestinal parasites was done. Multicollinearity was checked for independent variables. Height for age z scores (HAZ) and body mass index for age z scores (BAZ) were used to determine the nutritional status of children. Logistic regression with both bivariate analysis and multivariate analysis was applied to identify associated factors with the nutritional status of children. Adjusted odds ratios were reported and the level of statistical significance was declared at a P value <0.05. Results. The magnitudes of thinness and stunting were 13.1% [95% CI: 10.6%, 15.7%] and 24.6% [95% CI: 21.3%, 27.9%], respectively. Being male, not using a bed net, and the presence of intestinal parasitic infection were among the factors associated with thinness. Family size of less than five, household food insecurity, and unavailability of the latrine were among the factors associated with stunting. Conclusion. This study revealed that stunting and thinness are major health problems among schoolchildren. Household food insecurity, intestinal parasitic infection, bed net utilization, and the availability of latrine were some of the major factors significantly associated with undernutrition. Local policymakers, health programmers, nutritionists, health practitioners, and nongovernmental organizations should enhance the nutritional status of schoolchildren by using information dissemination interventions, particularly in improving waste disposal, sanitation/hygiene, latrine facilities, and school-based deworming. Furthermore, awareness creation using nutrition promotion and encouraging communities to attempt to diversify locally available and low-cost nutritionally effective food items to improve food consumption and distribution within a household is recommended to reduce the prevalence of undernutrition among schoolchildren.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  

Introduction: HIV infection causes and promotes enormous nutritional deficits in children. The objective of this work was to analyze the nutritional status of children infected with HIV placed on antiretrovirals in the Ruashi Health Zone in Lubumbashi. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional descriptive study which focused on 51 children aged 3 months to 17 years selected in 8 care structures for People Living with HIV AIDS, from January to June 2016. Data was collected by documentary review and the usual descriptive statistics and anthropometric indicators were used. Result: The prevalence of overall malnutrition was 31.37% (n = 51) including 7.84% moderate malnutrition. The average weight is 19.25 kg with a minimum weight of 4.5 kg and a maximum of 49 kg. The overall prevalence of anemia (hemoglobin <11g / dl) was 9.8%. Wasting affected 3.92% of children and 7.84% were victims of chronic malnutrition. The prevalence of acute malnutrition was 25.48%, of which 3.92% was severe acute malnutrition. Immune deficiency (CD4 <350) in 5.88% of cases, undetectable viral load at 88.37% and treatment compliance at 92.16% Conclusion: HIV / AIDS affects the state of health of children in Ruashi with 31.37% overall malnutrition and 7.84% stunted growth. Good nutritional and therapeutic support for children is necessary.


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