High Prevalence of Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) in under Five Hospitalized Children: Data from a Tertiary Care Hospital of Northern India
Authors
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Department of Pediatrics, M.M. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Mullana - 133 207, Ambala ,IN
Gauri Chauhan
Keywords:
Malnutrition, Stunting, Wasting, Under Five, WHO.Abstract
According to WHO, 60% of all deaths, among children less than five years in developing countries, can be attributed to malnutrition. The objective of this study was to note the prevalence of PEM in under five hospitalized children and to correlate it with socio-demographic variables. This was a prospective cross-sectional study, wherein all term children aged (0.1-5 years) and with > 24 hours of hospitalization in the Pediatric wards were enrolled. Detailed clinical assessment of nutritional status followed by anthropometric measurements (height and weight) and z-score calculations were done as per standard methodology. In addition, socio-demographic profiles were also recorded. The results indicated that a total of 180/300 (60%) cases were noted to have malnutrition as per WHO classification. Of these, 69/180 (38.3%) had moderate malnutrition and 111/180 (61.7%) had severe malnutrition. Wasting was noted in 114/300 (38.0%) cases of which, 49/114 (43%) had moderate wasting, while 65/114 (57%) had severe wasting. Stunting was noted in 98/300 (32.6%), of which 38/98 (38.7%) had moderate stunting, while 60/98 (61.3%) had severe stunting. Except for low socioeconomic status, none of the socio-demographic factors had a significant correlation with presence of malnutrition. This study defines a high prevalence of malnutrition (60%) with acute and chronic malnutrition being 38 and 33% respectively in under five hospitalized children. Past studies report prevalence rates varying from 6.1 to 40.9% for acute and 8 to 18.9% for chronic malnutrition respectively. The present study highlights the need for early recognition and improvement of nutritional status of under five hospitalized children to assure optimal physical and mental development in this age group.Downloads
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