Health and Nutritional Status of Children Visiting a Tertiary Care Hospital inBangladesh

Abstract

Background: For optimum growth and development of children we must ensure adequate nutrition for the children. There is a negative correlation between malnutrition & academic achievement of children Nutritional assessment is mandatory to detect nutritional status of a child. Objective: To detect nutritional status of children, to find out the associated factors affecting nutritional status and to make awareness among the population to prevent the dreadful effects of malnutrition in children as well as in society. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient department of Delta Medical College and Hospital over 6 months. Children aged 2–18 years attending the hospital outdoor for illness, including both nutritionally normal and malnourished children, were included. Results: Among 600 children, 51.33% were female and 50% presented with respiratory tract infection. Normal nutritional status, underweight, overweight, obesity and stunting were found in 61.6%, 16.66%, 11.3%, 10.33% and 1.2% respectively. Daily sunlight exposure for more than 20 minutes was reported in 36.5%. Most children were term-born (83.5%), had normal birth weight (81%) and were exclusively breastfed (74%). Normal development, regular deworming and complete vaccination were present in 88%, 52% and 98% respectively. Most children belonged to upper middle-class families (62%). About 40% had one sibling, and low birth spacing was found in 17%. Most mothers were educated (99.67%), though 76% were homemakers, while all fathers were engaged in job or business. Conclusion: The nutritional status of Bangladeshi children is changing, with decreasing stunting, underweight and wasting, but increasing overweight and obesity. Proper screening, public awareness and preventive measures can help address this dual health burden and reduce social impact.

Delta Med Col J. Jan 2023; 11(1):10-15