Factors associated with acute malnutrition in children

The nutritional status and growth of children with sickle cell disease are compromised due to a low-calorie, nutrient-poor diet.The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors associated with malnutrition in SCD children aged 0-59 months.A cross-sectional, analytic study was conducted in Kinshasa at the Mixed Medicine and SS Anemia Center, where nutritional status was assessed using Z-scores of anthropometric indices. We collected data on the 202 sickle cell children, 55% female, who participated in the study. Ninety-two males (45%) and one hundred and twelve females (55%) were enrolled in the study. Their mean age was 37.21 months (min 6, max 59). Their anthropometric measurements were as follows: weight 13.09 kg (min 6.20; max 21); weight z-0.92 (min -6.25, max 10.4); height 93.95 (min 8.50, max 120); height-z0.13 (min -19.3; max 9.70).The mean z-score± SD of the ~ 5 ~ weight for height index was -0.81±1.32.Wasting was found in 6.2% of SCD children. Economic level, occupation and level of education were associated with nutritional status.