Morbidity pattern of underfives with moderate acute malnutrition in southern Nigeria

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.