Prevalence of Malnutrition among Under Five Years Children at Pediatric Unit of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria from January 2011 -December 2014
1Mfuh Anita L, 2C. S. Lukong & 3Agbam G
1Department of Nursing Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
2Department of Pediatric Surgery, Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto
3Department of Nursing, Delta State University
Email: lukonganita@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The study aimed at identifying the prevalence of malnutrition among under five years children at Pediatric Unit of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika Zaria from January 2011-December 2014. This was a retrospective study using case notes, admission and mortality registers retrieved from the hospital`s medical record department. A total of 342 children aged between 0-59 months who were admitted into the hospital on account of Protein energy malnutrition during the period of study served as the sample. 192 were males while 150 were females. The data revealed a decreasing trend in malnutrition. Unclassified type of malnutrition was the highest prevalent (34.2%) followed by marasmus (28.8%). Male children were mostly affected (56.1%). Outcome of treatment revealed that most (88.3%) of the children were discharged while a few died. It was therefore recommended that infant feeding practices should be strengthened and promotion of exclusive breastfeeding for children for the first six months of life emphasized to mothers, also increased caloric intake with vitamins and electrolyte supplements.
Keywords: Malnutrition, Prevalence, Under Five Years
