Patterns of maternal nutritional status based on mid upper arm circumference
Attia Bari1, Nighat Sultana2, Sana Mehreen3
1Dr. Attia Bari, (DCH, MCPS, FCPS, MHPE), Associate Professor, Department of Pediatric Medicine, The Children's Hospital and The ICH, Lahore, Pakistan.
Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences
|April 16, 2020
Summary
Maternal malnutrition, including undernutrition and obesity, is common in mothers of malnourished children, particularly in lower social classes. This impacts child nutrition and breastfeeding.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Maternal nutritional status is a critical determinant of child health outcomes.
- Undernutrition and obesity in mothers can coexist and affect child development.
- Understanding these patterns is vital for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess maternal nutritional status using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC).
- To investigate the relationship between maternal nutrition and the nutritional status of malnourished children under two years.
- To identify factors contributing to maternal malnutrition.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study was conducted with 227 mothers and their malnourished children.
- Maternal demographics and MUAC were recorded.
- Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.
Main Results:
- Maternal malnutrition (undernutrition, overweight, obesity) was prevalent.
- Maternal illiteracy (66%) and belonging to a poor social class (89%) were common.
- Maternal malnutrition correlated significantly with child undernutrition severity (p=0.045) and low exclusive breastfeeding rates (p=0.049).
Conclusions:
- Malnutrition, encompassing both undernutrition and obesity, is widespread among mothers of malnourished children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Maternal illiteracy and low income are key drivers of maternal malnutrition.
- Maternal nutritional status significantly influences child nutrition and breastfeeding practices.
