Screening for Acute Childhood Malnutrition in Mali
Author Information
Author(s): Nyirandutiye Daniele H., Ag Iknane Akory, Fofana Amadou, Brown Kenneth H.
Primary Institution: United States Congressional Hunger Center
Hypothesis
Does integrating MUAC screening for acute malnutrition into the National Nutrition Week increase treatment referrals?
Conclusion
Integrating MUAC screening for acute malnutrition in SIAN permits the assessment of a large number of children for acute malnutrition, and should be continued.
Supporting Evidence
- 83% of eligible children participated in SIAN.
- 98% of participants received vitamin A supplementation.
- 52% of participants were screened for acute malnutrition.
- 27% of screened children were identified as acutely malnourished.
- Community volunteers and health personnel positively evaluated their experience adding MUAC screening.
Takeaway
This study shows that checking children's arm size during health events helps find more kids who are not getting enough food, so we can help them better.
Methodology
A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Kolokani and Nara, Mali, using a multi-stage random sample of health centers and households.
Potential Biases
Some community volunteers did not complete nutritional screening due to being too busy or unaware of their responsibilities.
Limitations
The survey was conducted 4–5 months after the SIAN, which may have introduced recall bias.
Participant Demographics
Most caregivers were women under 30 years old, married, uneducated, and primarily engaged in commerce or agriculture.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI not specified
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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