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Feeding practices and association of fasting and low or hypo glycaemia in severe paediatric illnesses in Malawi - a

Fatsani Ngwalangwa1, Chawanangwa Mahebere Chirambo2, Cecilia Lindsjö3

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, P/Bag 360, Blantyre, Malawi. fatsa400@yahoo.com.

BMC Pediatrics
|September 5, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Fasting in sick children admitted to hospital in Malawi is linked to low blood glucose. Caretakers try to feed sick children, but severe illness can lead to fasting, increasing hypoglycemia risk.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Global Health
  • Nutrition

Background:

  • Low or hypoglycemia in hospitalized children in low-income countries indicates poor outcomes.
  • Fasting during illness can cause low blood glucose; caretaker feeding practices may influence this.
  • This study examines feeding practices and the link between fasting and low/hypoglycemia in sick Malawian children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe caretaker feeding practices in Malawi.
  • To investigate the association between fasting and low or hypoglycemia in sick children.

Main Methods:

  • Mixed-methods approach using quantitative (n=5131) and qualitative data.
  • Quantitative data from children (0-17 years) admitted to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH).
  • Qualitative data from focus group discussions with caretakers of children referred to QECH.

Main Results:

  • 2.1% of admitted children had hypoglycemia; 6.6% had low glycemia.
  • Fasting >8 hours was associated with low glycemia (AOR 2.9) and hypoglycemia (AOR 4.6).
  • Caretakers understand feeding importance but face challenges during severe illness, leading to fasting.

Conclusions:

  • Caretakers recognize the importance of feeding sick children.
  • Severe illness can lead to fasting, which may indicate risk for hypoglycemia.
  • Fasting in hospitalized children can be a marker for severe illness and hypoglycemia risk.
Abstract

Keywords:
FastingFeedingHypoglycaemiaPaediatric illnesses

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