Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Acute malnutrition remains a major public health concern among under-five children in Bangladesh, leading to increased morbidity and mortality.Dietary intake and feeding practices play a crucial role in preventing and managing malnutrition.This study aimed to assess the 24-hour dietary recall, dietary diversity, and meal frequency among malnourished children admitted to a tertiary hospital.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Paediatric Surgery, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute from January 2020 to June 2020, including 100 children aged 6-59 months with acute malnutrition.Data were collected using 24-hour dietary recall and WHO-recommended dietary assessment tools.Nutrient intake was compared with Recommended Daily Intake (RDI), and dietary diversity was evaluated using the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS).Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25.Results: The mean energy intake was 860 ± 145 kcal, with 75% of children consuming below RDI.Protein (61%), fat (56%), iron (81%), vitamin A (68%), and zinc (78%) intake were also below recommended levels.The mean DDS was 3.4 ± 1.2, with a high reliance on cereals (92%) but low consumption of animal-source foods (39%), vegetables (29%), and fruits (22%).Only 64% met the minimum meal frequency, 41% consumed fortified foods, and 28% of mothers received nutrition counseling.Conclusion: The study highlights inadequate dietary intake, poor dietary diversity, and low maternal nutrition awareness among malnourished children.Nutritional interventions, dietary diversification, and improved maternal education are needed to address these gaps.
Source: ARC Journal of Pediatrics
Authors: Mahbubur Rahman, Dilruba Ibrahim Dipti, Meherdad Yousuf Ahmed
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4409306745