Evaluation of selected NRCs in treating SAM children: prospective study of Ujjain

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition is a silent emergency especially in developing countries. Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) is a major cause of mortality in under five children, as children with SAM 9 times more likely to die than well nourish children. There is a need to treat SAM Proactively. Method: Follow up study was planned to inquire the impact of nutritional intervention on the physical parameters of admitted SAM children in two selected NRCs. Information was collected with the help of semi structured proforma. Data was collected for 3 months and each SAM child was followed up to 90 days for 6 points of time. Total sample size of 98 SAM children was taken. Results:Analysis was done with the help of SPSS version 20. ANOVA test, Tukey’s multiple comparison test and Correlation were applied to demonstrate the significance between variables. Statistical significant changes in weight and MUAC were observed. Most significant change from starting weight & MUAC was observed at 3rd follow up. Conclusion:NRCs seem to be a promising approach in rehabilitating SAM children. Current study also added good evidence to favor above statement.Achieving long lasting improvement is our ultimate goal.

Keywords: Severe Acute Malnutrition, Nutritional Rehabilitation Center, Impact.