Morbidity pattern of underfives with moderate acute malnutrition in southern Nigeria

Udoh EE; Okorie O; Okpokowuruk FS; Udo E; Motilewa OO; Bassey V; Ikobah J; Adesina S; Ebunlomo I; Akpan M; Ekpo L; Uhegbu K; Umoh R; Nwazuluoke B; Johnson OE; Adeniyi O

doi:10.61386/imj.v17i1.380

Authors

Udoh EE Department of Paediatrics, University of Uyo/University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Okorie O Department of Paediatrics, West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven, Cumbria, England
Okpokowuruk FS Department of Paediatrics, University of Uyo/University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Udo E Department of Paediatrics, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Motilewa OO Department of Community Medicine, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Bassey V Nutrition Division, State Ministry of Health, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Ikobah J Department of Paediatrics, University of Calabar/University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State
Adesina S Department of Paediatrics, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Ebunlomo I Department of Paediatrics, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Akpan M Department of Paediatrics, University of Uyo/University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Ekpo L Department of Paediatrics, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Uhegbu K Department of Paediatrics, University of Calabar/University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Cross River State
Umoh R Department of Paediatrics, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Nwazuluoke B Dietetic Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Johnson OE Department of Anatomy, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Adeniyi O Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Lagos/Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v17i1.380

Keywords:

Morbidity pattern, underfives, moderate malnutrition, fever, pallor

Abstract

Background: Moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) is a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality globally. The morbidity pattern of underfives with this condition is yet to be described.

Objective: To describe the morbidity pattern of underfives with MAM

Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in two Primary Health Centres in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Caregivers’ brought children aged 6- 59 months to the health facilities following community mobilization. Eligible children were recruited into the study after obtaining parental consent. A validated proforma was used to obtain the biodata and symptoms of common illnesses in the children. A general physical examination, anthropometric measurements and systemic examination were performed.

Results: A total of 162 children were recruited into the study. Their mean (±SD) age was 20.4 ± 13.0 months. Over 70% of them were 6 - 23 months of age. Their mean (±SD) length/height was 77.3 ± 29.6 cm, mean (±SD) weight was 8.3 ± 3.4 kg and mean (±SD) mid upper arm circumference was 12.4 ± 4.5 cm. The main symptoms noted in the children were; fever 99 (61.1%), cough 84 (51.9%), weight loss 81 (50.0%), diarrhoea 40 (24.7%) and vomiting 40 (24.7%) while pallor 77 (47.5%), lymphadenopathy 56 (34.6%), hair changes 49 (30.2%), skin changes 27 (16.6%) were the main signs in them.

Conclusion: The main symptomatology of underfives with MAM were fever, cough and weight loss while pallor, lymphadenopathy and hair changes were the topmost signs. This morbidity pattern is related to interactions between malnutrition and infection in childhood.