The Study of the Duration of Management of a Malnourished Child using Cow Milk

Abstract

Nizeyimana Fidele, Dusabumuremyi Jean Claude, Muhammad Akram, Walaa Fikry Elbossaty, Singirankabo Vital, Yadufashije Callixte, Jean Marie Vianney Nkurikiyintwali

The objective of the study was to determine the duration of managing a malnourished child using cow milk as supplement. The study was uncontrolled before and after study. The study was quantitative and was conducted in Musanze health center radiation zone. The study evaluated children who were in nutrition study follow up commissioned by UNICEF & Access To Health Project in 2016. This children research follow up was created under UNICEF & Access To Health Project fund for the study of their duration in management. Quantitative method was used. The non-probability sampling was used and a purposive technique was adopted. Data were collected on 57 malnourished children admitted in nutrition service at Musanze health center where 21 were in severe malnutrition while 36 were in moderate malnutrition. All malnourished children were given seven liters of caw milk per week per each child, during their follow up period. The Weight-for-Age and the Mid-Upper Arm Circumference were used to screen children. The study showed that when caw milk is used as the only supplement for the treatment of a malnourished child , the duration of taking a child from severe malnutrition to good nutrition took approximately double (7months) compared to World Health organization (WHO) nutrition care protocol (4months). Many children showed positive nutritional status evolutions but there was some who showed a negative evolution by staying in severe or moderate malnutrition. Family conflict and chronic illness are among the main causes of negative evolution in nutritional status. The other underlying cause is the situation of hunger in families having malnourished children. The supplement of cow milk is not enough as it takes longer period than the period expected by WHO. Therefore, balanced diet together with the supplement of cow milk, SOSOMA, RTUF can change nutrition status.

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