Mortality Risk among Children Admitted in a Large-Scale Nutritional Program in Niger, 2006
2009

Mortality Risk among Children in a Nutritional Program in Niger

Sample size: 27687 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Lapidus Nael, Minetti Andrea, Djibo Ali, Guerin Philippe J., Hustache Sarah, Gaboulaud Valérie, Grais Rebecca F.

Primary Institution: Epicentre, Paris, France

Hypothesis

What are the baseline risk factors for death among children diagnosed with severe malnutrition?

Conclusion

The study identifies key risk factors for mortality in severely malnourished children, which can help in directing care appropriately.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study included 27,687 children for risk factor analysis.
  • Key risk factors identified include weight/height ratio and presence of edema.
  • Children under 1 year old had a higher risk of mortality.

Takeaway

This study looked at sick children in Niger and found that some signs, like not wanting to eat, can help doctors know who needs more help.

Methodology

Data were collected from medical records of children admitted to the program, and multivariate logistic regression was performed on a subset of children meeting WHO criteria for severe malnutrition.

Potential Biases

Subjective clinical signs may vary based on clinician assessment.

Limitations

Variations in data recording by clinicians and reliance on routine monitoring data may affect the findings.

Participant Demographics

Children aged 6–59 months, with a majority being male.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

[2,284; 14,594]

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004313

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication