Factors Influencing Malnutrition in Children Under Five
Author Information
Author(s): Dassie Godana Arero, Chala Fantaye Tesfaye, Charkos Tesfaye Getachew, Sento Erba Midhakso, Balcha Tolosa Fufa
Primary Institution: School of Public Health, Adama Hospital Medical College, Adama, Oromia, Ethiopia
Hypothesis
What factors concurrently affect wasting, stunting, and underweight in children under five with severe acute malnutrition?
Conclusion
Inadequate dietary intake, illness, food insecurity, poor maternal and child care, poor hygiene and sanitation, and healthcare inaccessibility contribute to severe acute malnutrition in children.
Supporting Evidence
- 1,434,207 records were included for analysis from 12 studies.
- The prevalence of factors influencing concurrent wasting, stunting, and underweight was 26.42% in low-middle-income countries.
- Unprotected drinking water was associated with stunting.
- Being male is another factor linked to higher rates of malnutrition.
- Lack of prenatal care follow-up was associated with a lower risk of wasting.
- Low birth weight, diarrhea, and being from a poor household were associated with malnutrition.
- Maternal education and open defecation were linked to stunting and underweight.
- Birth order was associated with an increased likelihood of being underweight.
Takeaway
This study found that many young children are not getting enough good food, which makes them sick and underweight. We need to help families get better food and healthcare.
Methodology
The review followed PRISMA guidelines and included studies from various databases focusing on children under five with severe acute malnutrition.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the lack of blinding in the selection process and interpretation of data.
Limitations
The review did not include certain features of the research population and lacked exhaustive search methods.
Participant Demographics
The study included children under five, with a mean age of 3.50 years and 57% being male.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: (0.50, 0.92)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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