Undernutrition and management outcomes of hospitalized children before and after 2015 armed crisis

<p>Aida H. M. Alsadeeq</p>

Undernutrition and management outcomes of hospitalized children before and after 2015 armed crisis

Aida H. M. Alsadeeq

University of Aden, Yemen

: J Food Nutr Disor

Abstract

Background: In 2015, Yemen spiraled into armed crisis and the ongoing fighting, which has been dating back to 2011 with low level of conflict, has escalated and pushing Yemen to the brink of famine.

Objective: The study aimed to describe the pattern of undernutrition and outcome indicators among hospitalized children during 2010 (before the 2011 revolution), 2014 and 2016 (before and after 2015 armed crisis).

Methodology: A retrospective observational study used data generated from registry records of severe acute malnourished (SAM) children admitted in the Therapeutic Feeding Centers (TFC) of Al-Sadaka General Teaching Hospital/Aden.

Result: A total of 803 new hospitalized SAM patients were included in the study, of which 22.7%, 32.0% and 45.3% were admitted during 2010, 2014 and 2016 respectively. Compared to 2010, the frequency of severe wasting, underweight and stunting were significantly high in 2016. There was no significant gender difference. The majority of admitted children were from Shikh Othman and Dar Sad districts. Increasing percentages of admitted patient in 2016 found from Altawahi, Almualla, Khourmakser districts, which were the scene of armed clashes during 2015. Poor outcome indicators were noted during 2016.

Conclusion: Poor nutritional and outcome indicators were encountered after the 2015 armed crisis. It is incumbent on pediatricians, public health professionals and policy makers to seriously address undernutrition in the context of conflict as critical and priority issue. Children must be counted.