S Antwi1. 1. Department of Child Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, P. O. Box 1934, Kumasi, Ghana.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition is a serious public health problem particularly in developing countries where it is responsible for 54% of under 5s mortality. Anthropometric measurements are key tools for the assessment of nutritional status and diagnosis of malnutrition. Height and weight measurements are not routinely done in most clinics and hospitals in Ghana. Children therefore miss the opportunity for accurate nutritional assessment and detection of malnutrition. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of wasting among children <5 years and to document extent of under-diagnosis. METHOD: From June to August 2004, children aged >3 months to <5 years attending the outpatient clinic of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital were systematically assessed for wasting using weight-for-height standard deviation score (Z-score). RESULTS: Of 1182 children (mean age 24.9 months), 251 (21.2%) were wasted, 48 (4.1%) of them severely. Only 15 (5.9%) of the 251 children with wasting were so identified by the attending physician. CONCLUSION: Malnutrition is widespread yet under-diagnosed. Anthropometric measurements should be promoted in all child health clinics.
INTRODUCTION:Malnutrition is a serious public health problem particularly in developing countries where it is responsible for 54% of under 5s mortality. Anthropometric measurements are key tools for the assessment of nutritional status and diagnosis of malnutrition. Height and weight measurements are not routinely done in most clinics and hospitals in Ghana. Children therefore miss the opportunity for accurate nutritional assessment and detection of malnutrition. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of wasting among children <5 years and to document extent of under-diagnosis. METHOD: From June to August 2004, children aged >3 months to <5 years attending the outpatient clinic of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital were systematically assessed for wasting using weight-for-height standard deviation score (Z-score). RESULTS: Of 1182 children (mean age 24.9 months), 251 (21.2%) were wasted, 48 (4.1%) of them severely. Only 15 (5.9%) of the 251 children with wasting were so identified by the attending physician. CONCLUSION:Malnutrition is widespread yet under-diagnosed. Anthropometric measurements should be promoted in all child health clinics.
Authors: Polycarp Mogeni; Hemed Twahir; Victor Bandika; Laura Mwalekwa; Johnstone Thitiri; Moses Ngari; Christopher Toromo; Kathryn Maitland; James A Berkley Journal: Bull World Health Organ Date: 2011-10-19 Impact factor: 9.408
Authors: Japheth A Opintan; Mercy J Newman; Patrick F Ayeh-Kumi; Raymond Affrim; Rosina Gepi-Attee; Jesus E A D Sevilleja; James K Roche; James P Nataro; Cirle A Warren; Richard L Guerrant Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2010-10 Impact factor: 2.345
Authors: Edem M A Tette; Mame Y Nyarko; Edmund T Nartey; Margaret L Neizer; Adolph Egbefome; Fredua Akosa; Richard B Biritwum Journal: BMC Pediatr Date: 2016-08-31 Impact factor: 2.125
Authors: Prosper J Bashaka; Hendry R Sawe; Victor Mwafongo; Juma A Mfinanga; Michael S Runyon; Brittany L Murray Journal: BMC Pediatr Date: 2019-09-11 Impact factor: 2.125