International Journal of Child Health and Nutrition

156-163

Authors: Getahun Fentaw Mulaw, Bizunesh Fantahun Kase, Adebabay Dessie Manchilo, Bereket Lopiso Lombebo, Begna Melkamu Tollosa

Background:Severe acute malnutrition remains one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among children in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Knowing the local burden of SAM has huge importance for public health interventions. Therefore this study aimed to assess the level of severe acute malnutrition and feeding practice of children aged 6–59 months in Abaa’la district, Afar, Northeast, Ethiopia.Methods:Community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 422 mother-child pairs of children aged 6–59 months. Kebeles were selected randomly after stratifying the district in to urban and rural, and study participants were selected using a cluster sampling technique. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, and child nutritional status was measured using WHO Mid upper arm circumference measuring tape. Data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 22 for analysis. The result was presented using Descriptiv e statistics.Results: The prevalence of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) was found to be 4.3% (95% CI, 2.3-6.1%) and that of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) was 21.1 %. Almost all (98.8%) of children were ever breastfed. Prelacteal feeding and bottle feeding was practiced by 31% and 33.9% of children, respectively. Only 68.5% of children were feed colostrum. Around 45.5% of children were exclusively breastfed for the first six months, and 70.4% of children wean breastfeeding before the age of two years. Conclusion:The prevalence of severe acute malnutrition in the study area was lower than the regional figures, but still, it is a public health priority. There are improper child care and feeding practices. Therefore, public health interventions that can improve those practices should be strengthened

171-187

Authors: Habtamu Gebresenbet

Appropriate feeding practices are fundamental importance for the survival, growth, development and health of the infant and young children. However; exclusive breastfeeding remains a challenge because of many factors. It was suggested that mother's knowledge, attitude and practice determines the effectiveness of exclusive breastfeeding. This research is a cross-sectional study aimed to assesses mother's knowledge, attitude and practice towards optimal breastfeeding among Ginjo Guduru kebele. The survey was conducted from June 29-July30, 2018, from a total of 315 mothers who had children under one (1) year age, 190 mothers were selected using simple random sampling. Structured pre-tested questionnaires, as well as the in-depth interview, was used to collect the data on the socio-economic, demographic characteristics, knowledge attitude and practice towards exclusive breastfeeding. Among mothers studied about 73.94% had good knowledge of effective breastfeeding, 63.99% of mothers had a positive attitude on effective breastfeeding, and 69.69% had a good practice of effective breastfeeding. About 24.06% of mothers had poor knowledge of effective breastfeeding, approximately 36.11% of mothers had a poor level of attitude on effective breastfeeding, and about 31.31% of mothers had a poor practice of effective breastfeeding. Health service delivery staffs Policymakers,administrators and Non-governmental organisation collaborates to draw strategies to enhance the awareness of mothers about effective breastfeeding.

191-201

Authors: Getahun Fentaw Mulaw, Omer Seid Adem, Abate Bekele Belachew

Background: Globally, stunting is a public health concern, more of in developing counties, including Ethiopia. Once occurred, in the first two years of life, it is irreversible and has long-lasting harmful consequences. Exploring the determinants has pivotal importance for evidence-based interventions. Therefore, the rationale of this study was to identify determinants of stunting among children aged 6-23 months in the pastoralist community, Afar region, Ethiopia. Method:Acommunity-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among 381 (cases=126, controls 255) study participants from February 15/2017 to March 30/2017. Cases and controls were identified consecutively using the world health organization growth monitoring chart. Data was collected by interviewer-administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05 in the final multivariable logistic regression model. Result:Maternal education (AOR:0.34, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.77), maternal under-nutrition (AOR:2.91, 95% CI:1.51, 5.60), number of under-five children within the household (AOR:2.66, 95% CI: 1.38, 5.10), latrine ownership (AOR:0.28, 95% CI:0.15, 0.55), minimum Dietary Diversity score of children (AOR:0.41, 95% CI:0.22, 0.75), child age (AOR:1.76, 95% CI:1.01, 3.09), colostrum intake (AOR:3.03, 95%CI:1.62, 5.66), and exclusively breastfeed for the first six months (AOR:3.20, 95% CI:1.72,5.95) were found to be determinants of stunting. Conclusion:This study found that determinants of childhood stunting are multifactorial. Maternal, household and child-related characteristics are associated with childhood stunting. Therefore, to improve childhood nutritional status, inter-sectoral collaboration and commitment are vital.

100-114

Authors: Theresa A. Nicklas, Carol E. O’Neil, Rabab Saab, Victor L. Fulgoni

This study aimed to examine secular trends in 100% orange juice (OJ) consumption and trends in nutrient adequacy in children 2-18 years participating in the 2003-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The National Cancer Institute method was used to estimate the usual intake. Ten deciles of OJ consumption were determined based on intakes with non-consumers in the first decile. Nutrient adequacy was determined using the percentage below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) or the Adequate Intake (AI) percentage. Linear regression coefficients for changes in intake over time and across deciles of OJ were generated. Approximately 14% of the total sample consumed OJ with a mean intake of 40.0 g/d (77 KJ [0.9% of total energy intake]). Amounts of all 100% fruit juices consumed decreased by 44%, and whole fruit intake increased by approximately 32% from 2003-2016. Consumption of total energy, total carbohydrates, added sugars, and saturated fatty acids decreased. Intakes of folate, riboflavin, zinc, and vitamin C decreased from 2003-2016. The percentage of children below the EAR increased for vitamin C and zinc and decreased for vitamin A from 2003-2016. Percent of children above the AI increased for fiber. Across the deciles of OJ consumption, the percent of children with an inadequate vitamin D intake, calcium, iron, and phosphorus decreased. OJ and other 100% juices were major food sources of many nutrients consumed at levels below recommendations. One strategy to reduce inadequate intake of calcium, phosphorus, and potassium intake is to maintain or increase the consumption of OJ and other 100% juices

125-132

Authors: Shiva Raj Acharya, Shiksha Adhikari, Sandip Pahari, Yong Chul Shin, Deog Hwan Moon

Background: Malnutrition is a common public health problem among children in low and middle-income developing countries. Orphan's children are vulnerable and neglected groups in society and are more prone to malnutrition. The study aims to identify the prevalence of underweight, stunting, thinness, and factors associated with nutritional status among orphan children.Methods:Quantitative method & analytical cross-sectional research design were used to assess the nutritional status and its associated factors among orphan children in Pokhara Valley, Nepal. The sample size of 160 children was obtained by a simple random technique. The semi-structured questionnaire, digital bathroom scale, stadiometer was used as the data collection technique. Data management and analysis were done from Epi-info, SPSS 25 version, and WHO Anthro plus. Findings:The majority of children were malnourished (80.6%) with the prevalence of stunting (55.1%), thinness (13.8%), and overweight (6.9%). Prevalence of underweight, stunting, and thinness was high among the boys (85.5%, 26.3%, and 15.8%), but overweight was more prevalent among the girls (7.1%). Ethnicity, sex, age, stay duration in an orphanage, and education of caregivers was associated with the nutritional status of orphan children (p <0.05). Non-privileged children and children below 11 years were more prone to malnutrition. Conclusion:Malnutrition is highly prevalent in orphan children and needs to be addressed. There is still limited study available on the nutritional status of orphan children in Nepal. Nutritional status should be monitored regularly for early identification and timely intervention of malnutrition to promote the nutrition health status of orphan children

139-147

Authors: Mariam Abbas Soharwardi

Objective: To analyzed the role of maternal empowerment and macro-economic variables in the improvement of child health in developing economies. Methodology: Maternal empowerment has measured through five dimensions: work status, awareness, decision making, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Moreover, countries' net foods imports, countries as secular or non-secular and region are selected as macro-economic factors. On the other hand, child health has analysed through the anthropometric measure, i.e. stunting. The most recent data sets of Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of 38 countries have been used. Data has been analyzed through the use of binary logistic regression and explore the impact of maternal empowerment and macro-economic factors on child health. Results: The results explain the positive impact of mother empowerment in the improvement of child health. Furthermore, net food imports are positively effecting the child's health. Sub-Saharan Africa and Secular states proved to have negative impacts on child health. Most probably the more empowered mothers are more contributors and implement positive effects on their children’s health. Conclusion: The countries which can fill their food deficiencies through food imports have the probability of improved health for the next generation

55-64

Authors: Alison Karasz, Margia Shiriti, Nilifa DeSilva, Afrida Khurshid, Karen Bonuck, Usha Ramachandran

Nutritionally adequate and safe complementary feeding starting from the age of 6 months up to 59 months is one of the effective intervention to reduce infant and child morbidity and malnutrition. This study aims to determine the nutritional status of children ages 6-59 months and their caregiver’s infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices of the Buhid community in Rizal, Occidental Mindoro.The design used in this study was a descriptive cross-sectional carried out between December 2016-February 2017. A survey questionnaire was utilized as an instrument in this study. It includes an anthropometric survey of 6-59 months old and infant and young child feeding practices using WHO and UNICEF IYCF indicators. Vaccination, vitamin A supplementation and deworming coverage were also measured.Findings revealed a prevalence of global acute malnutrition (GAM) at a critical level. There is a low but significant prevalence of stunting and underweight among children. There is a good infant and young feeding practice in the community except for the minimum acceptable diet during complementary feeding. Lastly, there is low BCG and measles vaccination coverage in the community that could be a threat to the impending disease outbreak

74-80

Authors: Alieu Tommy, Taha Hussein Musa, Joseph Kawuk, Upama Ghimire, Nathan Obore, Shireen Salome Papabathini, Lovel Fornah

Malnutrition is a significant public health problem over the world, with severe impact in developing countries, including Asia and Africa. This paper present to assess malnutrition as a cause of infant and child mortality rate in Torbu community in Bo city, Sierra Leone. We used a community-based cross-sectional survey. A total of 80 mothers with children of under five years were selected using convenience sampling from the different divisions of Bo city. The findings showed that 48 (60%) of the respondents have never been sensitized nor have any knowledge about Malnutrition, of which 16 (50%) were informed via radio while 50 (63%) were not aware of any nutrition facility around the community. Besides, 56 (70%) of the respondents did not practice exclusive breastfeeding, 64 (80%) fed their children on only carbohydrates mainly in the form of rice, and 26 (32.5%) had one meal per day. 64 (80%) reported their children to have been admitted due to malnutrition (with mainly protein-energy malnutrition), while over a half 46 (57%) reported having lost a child to malnutrition. Thus, we recommended more nutrition education to address the poor Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices as well as targeted health interventions to mitigate the devastating effects of child malnutrition in the district.

9-16

Authors: Thana’ Y. ALjaraedah, Reema F. Tayyem, Hamed R. Takruri

Background: This study was conductedto examine the dietary intakes of macro- and micronutrients for a Jordanian adolescents based on gender and compare their intake to the Dietary Recommended Intakes (DRIs). Methods: A sample of 398 male and female adolescents, aged 14-18 years, were recruited from private and public schools using convenience sampling. Socio-demographic questionnaire and 3-days food record were self-reported. Bodyweight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated for all participants. Results: There were no significant differences between male and female adolescents regarding the intake of micro and macronutrientsexcept for protein, insoluble fibre, saturated fat, cholesterol, omega-6, vitamin E and calcium. The intake of insoluble fibre (g/day), omega-6(g/day), and vitamin E (mg/day) was significantly higher in female adolescents (3.1±0.1, 5.6±0.5, and 3.1±0.3, respectively, P≤0.05) compared to male adolescents (2.9±0.1, 5.1±0.4, and 2.5±0.2, respectively, P≤0.05). On the other hand, the intakes of protein (g/day), saturated fat (g/day), cholesterol (mg/day), calcium (mg/day) were significantly higher in male adolescents (90.1±2.3, 31.7±1.0, 339.2±18.3, and 651.5±27.8) as compared with female adolescents (79.2±2.1, 29.2±1.2, 263.6±14.9, and 555.2±21.7) (P≤ 0.05). Comparing of the adolescents’ nutrients intake to the DRIs, many nutrients were found to be below or above the recommendations.Conclusion: The study findings highlighted that there is an urgent need to establish a plan of action to combat malnutrition among adolescents in Jordan

26-33

Authors: Nathalie Chahine, Moni Nader, Wissam Chalhoub, Ramez Chahine

Context: Several decades of dietary research recommended the consumption of antioxidants and vitamins rich foods as a protective tool against a broad portfolio of diseasesAims: This study aims to test if oral supplementation of natural antioxidants and vitamins before the winter season, may reduce the occurrence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in adolescents.Settings and Design: Natural antioxidants and vitamins supplements were given to 90 adolescents (45 males, and 45 females) from an orphanage against a placebo during three months in a double-blind fashion.Methods and Material: Saliva was collected before and after supplementation. The antioxidant activity of saliva was determined in vitro using electrolysis as a free radical generating system. Additionally, total antioxidant activity, glutathione and ascorbic acid levels in the saliva were evaluated before and after supplementation. The URTI frequency was recorded throughout the winter season (3 months). Statistical Analysis: All values were expressed as means ± SEM. Significance of the results was assessed using Student's t-test and Fisher’s test Results: Data indicated that only five individuals from the group that received antioxidants and vitamins supplements manifested URTI while 14 adolescents from the non-supplemented group showed symptoms of URTI. Biochemical analysis revealed that the saliva in provenance from the supplemented group exhibited a higher capacity to scavenge free radicals compared to its capacity before supplementation. This supplementation also increased the total antioxidant activity and the levels of both ascorbic acid and glutathione in the saliva. Conclusions: We concluded that oral intake of antioxidants and vitamins protects against URTI through increased antioxidant activity