NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT OF CHILDREN LESS THAN 2 YEARS OF AGE ADMITTED WITH DIARRHEA IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF PESHAWAR, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of diarrheal diseases differs greatly with the seasons and child’s age having highest incidence during infancy which declines as a child grows older. Diarrhea entails serious nutritional demands on infants and small children. The present study was conducted to assess the actual dietary intakes and nutrition status of diarrheal children less than 2 years old, using different techniques.

Materials & Methods: It was a hospital based study conducted in Nutritional Rehabilitation Unit of Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar from August 2011 to November 2011. Diarrheal children less than two years of age were enrolled and a questionnaire was used for data collection from subject’s mother or attendants. 24 dietary recall method was used for child’s actual diet intakes. SPSS version 16.0 was used for data analysis.

Results: Majority of parents (38% fathers & 82% mothers) were illiterate and belonged to rural areas, where the people are not aware of recommended dietary needs and safety protocols. The mean protein intake was 6.06 ± 7.1g/day for male patients and 14.64 ± 8.71g/day for female patients. The mean caloric intake of male children was 252.15 ± 247.63 kcal/day and for female was 574.58 ± 259.28 kcal/day.

Conclusion: It was concluded from the study that parent’s education, poor breastfeeding, and poor hygiene and sanitation practices in our society may lead to diarrhea and malnutrition in infants and toddlers.