Sociodemographic, Clinical Correlates, and Hospitalization Outcomes in 0 to 59 Months Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition in the Therapeutic Nutritional Unit

Abstract

Neguemadji Ngardig Ngaba, Narissa Nursjamsi, Sweetyben Patel, Namrata Hange, Avinash Chirumamilla, Nodjemadje Tamlengar Martial, Madhuri Yanamala, Janne Patrice Necesito Junsay, Maria Kezia Lourdes Ligsay Pormento, Albine Djeagou, Imteyaz Ahmad Khan, Amit Gulati, Sakshi Khurana, Sumedh Lyengar, Manoj Kumar Reddy Somagutta, Lidya Metekia, Pelash Kumar and Syed Anas Hussain

Background: Globally, the mortality and morbidity estimates from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) in under-five children (0-59 months) are highly significant in low-income countries. This study aims to contribute to the fight against SAM in under-five Chadian children.

Method: A cross-sectional study was performed on data collected from surveys conducted for 30 days on 326 hospitalized patients with SAM of under- five children. The participants included in the study fulfilled the admission criteria at the therapeutic nutritional unit (TNU) of Alerte Sante. This study assessed the sociodemographic characteristics, factors related to healthcare access, dietary patterns and clinical factors, and length of hospitalization and outcomes for the admitted children. MAS types were classified using the mid-upper arm centimeter (MUAC), WHO Weight- to-Height Z-score (WHZ) scale, and edema assessment.

Results: Among the study population, the male gender was predominant (65.6%). Most of the children (85.9%) belong to Muslim households. Children aged between 12 and 23 months were mainly represented. Marasmus type of SAM was around 90%. The most prevalent chief complaint for admission was Diarrhea (18.8%). The findings revealed 69% of patients discharged after recovery, 11 (3.37%) deaths, from which 54.5% belong to the age group of 12-24 months.

Conclusion: SAM is still prevalent in N’Djamena for under-five children. The study found several socio-demographic factors associated with SAM. Considering the strong association between diarrhea and related highest- case fatalities, advocacy and health education regarding breastfeeding, hygiene, and nutrition will immensely help.

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