Effect of nutritional education on anthropometric deficits among pre-school aged children in south West Ethiopia: quasi-experimental study

Background Under-nutrition is a global problem and one of the most serious public health issues. Globally, 156 million under-five children were stunted, and 50 million were wasted in 2016. Malnutrition among preschool-age children is caused by low socioeconomic status, food insecurity, poor feeding practices, and infectious diseases. This intervention aimed to evaluate the effect of nutrition education delivered through trained health professionals in improving the nutritional status of preschool -aged children. Methods A quasi-experimental design among 588 preschool –aged children was used. A multistage sampling technique followed by a systematic random sampling technique was used to identify caregivers with preschool-aged children. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. The baseline difference in demographic and socioeconomic characteristics between the two groups was examined using a chi-square test and an independent sample t-test was used to determine the mean difference in under-nutrition between the intervention and control groups. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to determine the change in the difference in outcome between the intervention and control groups as well as the association of predictors with under-nutrition in children. The Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals was reported to show the strength of the association. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant in multivariable analysis. Results In this study, the nutritional status of preschool age children was significantly associated with nutrition education intervention [AOR = 0.566, 95% CI: (0.347, 0.923)], place of delivery [AOR = 0.724, 95% CI: (0.551, 0.951)], ARI in the last 2 weeks [AOR = 1.823, 95% CI: (1.226, 2.710)], source of drinking water [AOR = 0.624, 95% CI: (0.484, 0.805)] and household food security [AOR = 1.311, 95% CI: (1.030, 1.669)] . Conclusions Findings of this study showed that nutrition education can effectively reduce the magnitude of under-nutrition among preschool children. Under-nutrition was e significantly associated with nutritional education, place of delivery, ARI in the last 2 weeks, source of drinking water, and food security. Therefore, both government and non-government should consider the impacts of nutrition education to alleviate under-nutrition and improve the health status of preschool-age children.

Prevalence and Determinants of Under-Nutrition Among Under-Five Children in Afar Region, Ethiopia: Evidence From 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey

Background: Undernutrition is one of the major public health concerns among infants and young children in the country. Childhood under-nutrition is widespread in low and middle-income countries. This study was initiated to assess the prevalence of under-nutrition and its associated factors among under-five children in Afar Region, Ethiopia. Methods: The data for this study were extracted from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2016. The information collected from 937 children born 5 years before the survey was considered in the analysis. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used at a 5% level of significance to determine the individual- and community-level factors associated with childhood malnutrition.Results: The prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting in Afar region were 41.1%, 36.2% and 17.7%, respectively. About 26.7% of children in Afar region were both stunting and underweight, 12.7% were both underweight and wasting, 7.6% were both stunting and wasting and only 7.0% of children had all the three under-nutrition conditions. Among the factors considered in this study, age of a child in months, anemia level, mothers’ BMI, household wealth index, size of child at birth, number of living children and place of residence were significantly associated with stunting, underweight and wasting in Afar Region. Conclusions: The prevalence of all stunting, underweight and wasting was relatively high. Undernutrition is one of the major public health concerns among children in Afar Region. The effect of these factors should be considered to develop strategies to reduce under-nutrition in the study area. Thus, intervention should be focused on improving the under-nutrition determinants of the children to improve the child's nutritional status and reduce child morbidity and mortality.

Under-nutrition and associated factors among children infected with human immunodeficiency virus in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background In the developing world, such as the sub-Saharan African region, HIV/AIDS has worsened the impact of under-nutrition in children. HIV infected children are highly vulnerable to under-nutrition. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence of under-nutrition, and the pooled effect sizes of associated factors among HIV-infected children in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods The primary studies for this review were retrieved from PubMed/ MEDLINE online, Science Direct, Hinari, web of science, CINHAL, EMBASE, WHO databases, Google, and Google Scholar databases. The articles selected for this meta-analysis were published between 2010 and 2020. The last search date was 18 October 2021. The data was extracted in Microsoft Excel format and exported to STATA Version 14.0. A random effect meta-analysis model was used. Heterogeneity was evaluated by the I2 test. The Egger weighted regression test was used to assess publication bias. Results We retrieved 847 records from these databases. Of which records, 813 were excluded due to different reasons and 34 studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting in HIV infected children was 46.7% (95% CI; 40.36–53.07, I2 = 98.7%, p < 0.01), 35.9% (95% CI; 30.79–41.02, I2 = 97.4% p < 0.01), and 23.0% (95% CI; 18.67–27.42, I2 = 96.9%, p < 0.01) respectively. The advanced WHO HIV/AIDS clinical staging (III&IV) [OR = 6.74 (95%: 1.747, 26.021), I2 = 94.7%] and household food insecurity were associated with stunting [OR = 5.92 (95% CI 3.9, 8.87), I2 = 55.7%]. Low family economic status [OR = 4.737 (95% CI: 2.605, 8.614), I2 = 31.2%] and increased feeding frequency [OR = 0.323 (95% CI: 0.172, 0.605), I2 = 69.8%] were significantly associated with under-weight. Anemia [OR = 2.860 (95% CI: 1.636, 5.000), I2 = 74.8%] and diarrhea in the previous month [OR = 4.117 (95% CI: 2.876, 5.894), I2 = 0.0%] were also associated with wasting among HIV infected children in sub-Saharan Africa. Conclusions The pooled prevalence of under-nutrition among HIV infected children was high. Nutritional assessment and interventions need great attention as a part of HIV care for HIV positive children. The implementation of policies and strategies established by national and international stakeholders in ART care centres should take a maximum emphasis on reducing under-nutrition among HIV infected children.

An Ayurvedic Critical Review on Nutritional Deficiency Disorders in Children

Ayurveda has two basic aims i.e., first preventive aspect rather than curative method. Aahara (food) plays very important role to maintain health of a person as it is one of the three sub pillars (Tri-upastambha) of Ayurveda. Aahara is the main source of energy and nutrition, also with therapeutic value and most important during post treatment period to regain the strength of body. Aahara not only nourishes the body but also nurtures the mind and soul, hence it is called as Poornabramha and Aahara-sevana (eating food) considered as a ritual in Ayurveda. Nutrition is always a basic and essential part for mankind. It has also positive effect on growth and development with cognitive function in children. Various health problems can be prevented through nutritious diet. Malnutrition generally refers both to under nutrition and over nutrition diseases. Nutritional deficiency disorders are described in various Ayurvedic texts which can be correlated with Apatarpanajanya Vyadhis. Various Acharya of Ayurveda described diseases such as Phakka, Parigarbhika, Balashosha, Karshya etc in different Samhitas can also correlated to nutritional deficiency disorders. A critical review of these disorders provides different aspects of malnutrition and proper understanding of pathogenesis in terms of Dosha - Dushya which will give a valuable key for their effective management. This paper highlights the Ayurvedic review of nutritional deficiency related disorders in children

Prevalence of Undernutrition and Its Associated Factors in Tribal Population of Gadchiroli (Vidarbha Region)

Introduction: Under nutrition can be well defined as a result of insufficient food intake, living life with hunger and repeated infection. It comprises being underweight for one’s age, stunted growth where subjects are too short for one’s age, hazardously thin wasted body and deficient in vitamins and minerals also known as micronutrient malnutrition. Aim: Prevalence Of Under nutrition And Its Associated Factors In Tribal Population Of Gadchiroli at Aheri (Ct), Gadchiroli (Vidarbha Region)District, Maharashtra. Materials And Methods: Family must consists of 1 children between ages of 1-6 years and their mothers must be available and willing to be interviewed were incorporated in the sample. Unwilling mothers were excluded. Three hundred study participants were included in the study. Results: The response rate was 100%. Among all participants, 153 (51%) and 147 (49%) were females and males, respectively. Out Of the total parents, 173(57.66%) could not read, 56 (18.66%) can only read and write, 47(15.66%) of them has completed primary education and 24(8%) has completed secondary school. Out of 300 participants, 123 (41%) had monthly income of less than 750 rupeees. Conclusion: Under nutrition was high among children below six years of age in gadchiroli, Aheri CT, Gadchiroli. Overall under nutrition was high found to be high and proper management should be done.

Malnutrition and Economic growth, Dynamic panel data analysis of developing countries

This paper concentrates on the empirical analysis of the pace of change in the food security situation in developing countries. We used dynamic panel data modeling by the GMM technique of Blundel and Bond (1998) during the period which range from 1990-2018 in order to estimate the relationship between the growth rate of GDP per capita and the growth rate of under nutrition prevalence in 26 developing countries belonging to the three different regions, namely Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Food security was used at a national level as measured by the prevalence of under nutrition and the magnitude of the food deficit. The results of the estimates clearly show a negative relationship between economic growth rate and under nutrition prevalence; however, the economic growth of developing countries seems to be a key factor in reducing poverty and the proportion of the undernourished population.

Anthropometric failures and its associated factors among preschool-aged children in a rural community in southwest Ethiopia

Background In 2019, 144 million under-five-year-old children were stunted, and 47 million were wasted globally. In Ethiopia, approximately 350,000 children are estimated to die each year. Preschool aged children need focused attention because this age group not only has special needs, but also forms the platform for growth and development of all children. Under nutrition among preschool children is the result of a complex interplay of diverse elements, such as birth weight, household access to food, availability and use of drinking water. This study aimed at determining the anthropometric failures and associated factors using composite indictors. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study design was used among randomly selected 588 caregivers with pre-school aged children. Under-nutrition of pre-school aged children was computed by using the composite index of anthropometric failure. A multi-stage sampling technique followed by a systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. WHO Anthro software was used to calculate height for age, weight for age and weight for height. The overall prevalence of anthropometric failure (CIAF). Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with under-nutrition. Results The overall prevalence of under-nutrition among pre-school children was 50.8%, which was significantly associated with being a female (AOR = 1.51, CI: 1.076, 2.12), being from a large family (AOR = 1.78, CI: 1.19, 2.663), having acute respiratory infection (AOR = 1.767, CI: 1.216, 2.566), lack of improved source of drinking water (AOR = 1.484 CI: 1.056, 2.085) and poor dietary diversity score (AOR = 1.5, CI: 1.066, 2.112). Conclusions The study area has a high prevalence of CIAF in pre-school aged children. The CIAF was found to be significantly associated with the sex of the child, family size, ARI within the last two weeks, and dietary diversity score. To promote the use of family planning and the prevention of infectious diseases, health education is required. The government should adapt CIAF as a metric for assessing children’s nutritional status.

The Importance of Nutrition, Immunization, and Stimulation of the First 1000 Days of Life for Health, Multiple Intelligences, and Reducing Malnutrition Rates in Toddlers in Barugbug Village, Jatisari, Karawang

Nutrition and health problems are problems that are still an iceberg phenomenon in Indonesia. It can be seen in big cities like Jakarta which still have quite a lot of health problems. Nutritional problems in Indonesia continue to increase from year to year. These nutritional and health problems will affect the health of infants and toddlers. This community service program is expected to increase public knowledge and insight regarding the importance of nutrition, immunization, and stimulation in the first 1000 days of life, reduce malnutrition rates in toddlers, and fulfill health facilities and infrastructure in Barugbug Village. The community service program that will be carried out will be directed at the importance of nutrition, immunization, and stimulation in the first 1000 days of life for health, multiple intelligence and reducing malnutrition rates in toddlers in RT 01 RW 05 Barugbug Village, Jatisari District, Karawang, West Java. This activity was carried out for 5 months. The series of activities carried out in this program include counseling, mobile posyandu, KPSP (Pre-Development Screening Questionnaire), nutrition consultation, direct practice of child stimulation, advocacy, and TOT (Training Of Trainers). The results of the implementation of this program are an increase in public knowledge which can be measured by the results of the pretest and posttest, the reduction in the number of under-nutrition in children under five which can be measured by conducting mobile posyandu and monitoring nutritional status, increasing the intelligence of multiple children by conducting the KPSP (Pre-screening Development Questionnaire) and Practicing directly stimulates children, improves health status through nutrition consultations, makes use of health facilities and infrastructure through advocacy addressed to the Karawang Regent, and conducts TOT (Training Of Trainers) for puskesmas staff, village midwives, and village cadres for the sustainability of our program.

Literature Review: Faktor-faktor Yang Berhubungan Dengan Gizi Kurang Pada Balita Usia 0-5 Tahun

The problem of malnutrition is still widespread in developing countries, including Indonesia. Malnutrition can limit the ability of individuals to reach their maximum potential. Factors that influence undernutrition need to be identified to reduce the number of undernourished children under five. To analyze the factors related to malnutrition in children aged 0-5 years. This study used a literature review method. The online database was used to search articles related to themes. Those were Google Scholar and PubMed. Articles were selected based on the suitability of keywords, topics and inclusion and exclusion criteria that have been determine. The results of this study showedthat there were 10 factors related to under-nutrition in toddlers, namely parenting, mother's knowledge about nutrition, history of exclusive breastfeeding, age of toddlers, food intake, mother's perception of nutritional status, drinking water consumption, child's weight at birth, monitoring growth and development, and history of infectious diseases. The ten factors related to malnutrition in children under five were obtained from valid scientific evidence so that they can be used as scientific references to be applied as nursing care interventions.Keywords: Undernourished children under five, Causative factors AbstrakMasalah gizi kurang sampai saat ini masih tersebar di negara-negara berkembang termasuk negara Indonesia. Gizi kurang dapat membatasi kemampuan individu untuk mencapai potensi maksimalnya. Faktor yang mempengaruhi gizi kurang perlu diidentifikasi untuk mengurangi angka gizi kurang pada balita. Untuk menganalisis faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan gizi kurang pada balita usia 0-5 tahun. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode literature review. Database yang digunakan untuk pencarian artikel berkaitan dengan tema yang diambil dari beberapa search engine yaitu Google Scholar dan PubMed. Artikel diseleksi berdasarkan kesesuaian dengan kata kunci, topik serta kriteria inklusi dan ekslusi yang telah ditentukan. Hasil penelitian ini terdapat 10 faktor yang berhubungan dengan gizi kurang pada balita yaitu pola asuh, pengetahuan ibu tentang gizi, riwayat ASI ekslusif, usia balita, asupan makan, persepsi ibu tentang status gizi, konsumsi air minum, berat badan anak saat lahir, pemantauan tumbuh kembang, dan riwayat penyakit infeksi. Kesepuluh faktor yang berhubungan dengan gizi kurang pada balita ini didapatkan dari bukti ilmiah yang valid sehingga dapat dijadikan referensi ilmiah untuk diaplikasikan sebagai intervensi asuhan keperawatan.Kata kunci: Balita gizi kurang, faktor penyebab.

Effect of under-nutrition during pregnancy on low birth weight in Tigray regional state, Ethiopia; a prospective cohort study

Background Under-nutrition during pregnancy affects birth outcomes and neonatal outcomes. Worldwide, 20.5 million children were low birth weight, mainly in poor countries. However, there is no longitudinal-based evidence on the effect of under-nutrition during pregnancy on birth weight in Tigray regional state. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the effect of under-nutrition during pregnancy on low birth weight in Tigray regional state. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study among consecutively selected 540 pregnant women attending antenatal care in hospitals from October 2019 to June 2020. Pregnant women with mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) < 23 cm were exposed and those with MUAC≥23 cm were unexposed. Data on socio-demographic, diet, hygiene and anthropometry measurements were collected using pretested and structured questionnaires. SPSS version 25 was used for analysis. A log-binomial model was used to estimate the adjusted risk ratio and its 95%CI of the risk factors for low birth weight. Multi-collinearity was checked using the variance inflation factor (VIF) at a cut-off point of 8 and there was no multi-collinearity. Result The overall incidence of low birth weight was 14% (95%CI: 11.1, 17.4%). The incidence of low birth weight was 18.4 and 9.8% among the exposed and unexposed women, respectively. The difference in low birth weight incidence between the exposed and unexposed groups was statistically significant (p-value = 0.006). The risk factors of low birth weight were maternal illiteracy (ARR: 1.8, 95%CI: 1.01, 3.3), low monthly family income < 50 US Dollar (ARR: 1.6, 95%CI: 1.07, 2.2), lack of latrine utilization (ARR: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.28, 0.78), and diet diversity score < 5 (ARR: 1.9, 95%CI: 1.05, 2.61). Conclusion Low birth weight was significantly higher among the exposed pregnant women. Maternal illiteracy, low monthly income, lack of latrine utilization, and low DDS were risk factors of low birth weight. It is then important to strengthen nutritional assessment and interventions during pregnancy, with a special attention for illiterate, and low monthly income pregnant women. Again, there has to be a promotion of latrine utilization and consumption of diversified diets.