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Screening for Acute Childhood Malnutrition during the National Nutrition Week in Mali Increases Treatment Referrals
Author(s) -
Nyirandutiye Daniele Henriette,
Brown Kenneth,
Iknane Akory Ag,
Fofana Amadou
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.734.1
Subject(s) - malnutrition , medicine , severe acute malnutrition , referral , malnutrition in children , pediatrics , public health , population , family medicine , environmental health , nursing
Rationale With a prevalence of 15%, acute childhood malnutrition remains a public health problem in Mali. Semi‐annual Child Nutrition Weeks known as SIAN may provide an opportunity to screen a large number of children for acute malnutrition by, measuring their mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC). Objective To evaluate the effects of integrating MUAC screening for acute malnutrition into the SIAN activities carried out in June 2008. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in two health districts in the Koulikoro region, using a population‐proportionate, multi‐stage random sample of: 1) health centers, and 2) households with children 6–59 months of age in villages linked to each of the selected health centers. Results 1278 of the 1543 eligible children 6–59 months (83%), and 1118 of the eligible older range children (84%) reportedly participated in SIAN. Of the eligible, participating children, 1258 received vitamin A (98% of SIAN participants; 82% of eligible children), 945 received anti‐helminth tablets (84% of participants; 71% of eligibles), and 669 were screened for acute malnutrition (52% of participants; 43% of eligibles). 186 of those screened with MUAC (28%) were reportedly identified as acutely malnourished. Conclusion Integrating MUAC screening for acute malnutrition in SIAN permits the assessment and referral of a large number of children for acute malnutrition, and should be continued. The study was supported by grants from The United States Agency for International Development/Office for Foreign Disaster Assistance and the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund.