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[Malnutrition and anemia in children hospitalized in Martinique]
Insights
Malnutrition and anemia are prevalent in hospitalized children in Martinique, affecting nearly half and over a third, respectively. Breastfeeding methods and low birthweight are key risk factors for these nutritional deficiencies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Context:
- A clinical and biological study was conducted at Lamentin hospital in Martinique.
- The study included 100 hospitalized children aged 6 months to 6 years.
Purpose:
- To assess the prevalences, characteristics, and risk factors of malnutrition and anemia in hospitalized children.
- To identify specific age-related nutritional concerns and associated risk factors.
Summary:
- Forty-seven percent of children were underweight, and 38% were anemic.
- Anemia and iron deficiency were more common in children under 24 months, while wasting predominated in older children.
- Breastfeeding methods were linked to wasting and anemia in children under 2 years, whereas low birthweight was a risk factor for wasting in older children.
Impact:
- Highlights the commonality of nutritional deficiencies in hospitalized children in Martinique.
- Suggests a high index of suspicion for malnutrition and anemia in this population.
- Recommends considering supplemental iron therapy for children under 2 years after infection resolution.
Abstract:
In order to assess prevalences, characteristics and risk factors of malnutrition and anemia, a clinical and biological study was undertaken at Lamentin hospital in 100 hospitalized children aged 6 months to 6 years. Forty seven p. cent of children were underweight and 38 p. cent were anemic. Anemia and iron deficiency predominated in the under-24-month age group, whereas wasting was the dominate finding in older children. Under 2 years of age, risk factors for wasting and anemia were associated with method of breastfeeding. Over 2 years of age, low birthweight was the only risk factor of wasting identified. In Martinique, nutritional deficiency is common in children admitted to hospital and a high index of suspicion is indicated in the hospitalized population. Following the resolution of infections, supplemental iron therapy must be considered for a great number of children under 2 years of age.