Nutritional assessment of children admitted at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objectives This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of children aged 1 month to 14 years during admission and discharge at Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A prospective descriptive study design was employed, utilizing structured and nonstructured questionnaires to collect data. A total of 400 children, aged 1 month to 14 years, were included in the study. Anthropometric measurements were conducted to determine their nutritional status. Parents were interviewed to gather information on socio‐demographic characteristics, clinical history, and feeding patterns of the children. Descriptive analysis was performed using SPSS software version 23.0. Chi‐square tests were utilized to identify differences, while odds ratios (ORs) were employed to assess and quantify associations between categorical outcomes. ORs were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A p‐value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The study included 400 children, consisting of 245 (61.3%) males and 155 (38.8%) females. During admission, the assessment of nutritional status revealed that 301 (75.3%) of the children were classified as normal, 99 (24.7%) undernourished. On discharge 228 (57.0%) normal, 172 (43.0%) undernourished. Gender was found to be significantly associated with undernutrition during admission. Females were 2.376 times more likely to be exposed to undernutrition compared to males, with a 95% CI for the OR ranging from 1.497 to 3.773. Conclusion The prevalence of undernutrition was significantly higher on discharge than during admission. Therefore, providing high‐quality nursing care is crucial for children admitted to the hospital.
Source: JPGN Reports
DOI: 10.1002/jpr3.70033
Authors: Abebe Habtamu, Tenagne Million
Institution: Addis Ababa University
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $1,900
OpenAlex ID: W4410520662