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Risk factors for severe acute malnutrition among children aged 6-59 months: A community-based case-control study from

Sam M David1, Ruby A Pricilla1, Sherin S Paul2

  • 1Department of Community Health, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.

Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
|August 6, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Low birth weight, inadequate breastfeeding, poor calorie intake, and maternal underweight are key risk factors for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children. Addressing these can help reduce childhood malnutrition rates.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Malnutrition significantly contributes to the economic burden on society and nations.
  • Identifying risk factors for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is crucial for targeted interventions.
  • This study focuses on children aged 6 months to 59 months in Vellore, using WHO growth standards.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify risk factors and determinants of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children aged 6-59 months.
  • To provide data for developing effective public health strategies to combat childhood malnutrition.
  • To understand the specific challenges in the Vellore region.

Main Methods:

  • A community-based, age, gender, and location-matched case-control study was conducted.
  • Cases were defined as children with SAM (weight-for-height <-3SD or edema); controls had weight-for-height >-1 SD and MUAC ≥13.5cms.
  • Data on risk factors, including dietary intake, were collected via questionnaire, followed by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Main Results:

  • Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) was strongly associated with low birth weight (<2.499kg), AOR 8.95.
  • Inadequate exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months (AOR 4.67) and insufficient calorie intake (AOR 8.09) were significant risk factors.
  • Maternal underweight (AOR 6.87) was also a significant determinant of SAM in children.

Conclusions:

  • Interventions should target improving nutritional status in young girls and reproductive-aged women.
  • Emphasize exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and appropriate weaning practices to mothers.
  • Postnatal hospital visits are critical opportunities to educate mothers on child feeding practices.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenMalnutritionrisk factorssevere acute malnutrition

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