BACKGROUND

Undernutrition remains a public health concern in the Philippines despite multitude of government efforts using different nutrition specific and sensitive interventions. Hence, the role civil society organizations play is important in augmenting the health and nutrition programs in the country. Community feedback is important as they are the receiving end of these programs.

The study aimed to know the perceived impact and community insights on the implemented health and nutrition programs in the four selected sites in the Philippines.

Qualitative program evaluation was used, and 50 discussants were recruited through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interview guide for focus group discussion was utilized to determine the perceived impact of the programs among the discussants, and thematic analysis was used to generate codes and themes.

The implemented health and nutrition programs were found to be a source of hope for the family and community and beyond basic necessities. However, there remain barriers in successful acquisition of new information such as a lack of resources and environmental influences. There are also learned opportunities such as continued support from the Civil Society Organization (CSO), and impact capacity building that are not sponsor-driven.

Overall, the participants see the health and nutrition programs as helpful for their children as these programs foster proper child rearing. The programs also empower the parents and the community through capacity building. However, there is a need to revisit implementing rules and guidelines to further maximize the benefits and resources of the programs.

BACKGROUND

Child malnutrition is a prevailing global public health concern especially in low- and middle-income countries. Conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs were implemented to help address this problem.

To determine the relationship between the nutritional status among 0-59 months old children and household enrollment in a Philippine CCT program, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

A cross-sectional study was employed to 392 children and mothers/primary caregivers in a rural municipality in Leyte. Stratified random sampling technique was used in selecting the participants. Anthropometric characteristics were measured for these 392 children and were classified as 4Ps and non-4Ps members. Chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between the variables of interest.

4Ps household beneficiaries had mothers/primary caregivers who were older and had fewer years of education. The 4Ps beneficiary households had more household members and had lower average monthly income compared to the non-beneficiaries. No significant differences were found between the 4Ps beneficiary and non-beneficiary households in terms of the household hunger scale, the mean age of the children, and the sex distribution of the children included in the study. Specific profile components were found to be correlated to the children’s nutritional status. The age of the children was significantly associated to their length/height-for-age (L/HFA) wherein stunting was noted to occur among children older than 12 months of age. Maternal education was significantly associated to the weight-for-age (WFA) of the children. Children who were underweight had mothers/primary caregivers with fewer years of education. No significant correlation was found between the child’s sex, age of the mother/primary caregiver, household size, average monthly household income, and household hunger scale and the children’s nutritional status Lastly, there was no significant correlation between 4Ps household enrollment and the WFA and L/HFA status of the children. 4Ps household enrollment was, however, significantly correlated to the weight-for-length/height (WFL/H) or wasting status of the children.

The 4Ps program has the potential to enhance the nutritional outcomes of children hence the need to maximize its gains. In addition, the relationship of different sociodemographic variables with the children’s nutritional status reflects the complexity and multidimensionality of childhood malnutrition, implying the need for a holistic and multistakeholder approach in addressing the problem.

BACKGROUND

Undernutrition remains a public health concern in the Philippines despite multitude of government efforts using different nutrition specific and sensitive interventions. Hence, the role civil society organizations play is important in augmenting the health and nutrition programs in the country. Community feedback is important as they are the receiving end of these programs.

The study aimed to know the perceived impact and community insights on the implemented health and nutrition programs in the four selected sites in the Philippines.

Qualitative program evaluation was used, and 50 discussants were recruited through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interview guide for focus group discussion was utilized to determine the perceived impact of the programs among the discussants, and thematic analysis was used to generate codes and themes.

The implemented health and nutrition programs were found to be a source of hope for the family and community and beyond basic necessities. However, there remain barriers in successful acquisition of new information such as a lack of resources and environmental influences. There are also learned opportunities such as continued support from the Civil Society Organization (CSO), and impact capacity building that are not sponsor-driven.

Overall, the participants see the health and nutrition programs as helpful for their children as these programs foster proper child rearing. The programs also empower the parents and the community through capacity building. However, there is a need to revisit implementing rules and guidelines to further maximize the benefits and resources of the programs.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and cognitive function. METHODS: A cross-sectional study method was conducted. People aged ≥ 60 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) databases from 1999 to 2002 and 2011 to 2014 were included as study subjects. The participants were divided into three groups based on their GNRI scores: a medium-high risk group (82 ≤ GNRI < 92), a low risk group (92 ≤ GNRI < 98), and a no-risk group (GNRI ≥ 98). Demographic characteristics (gender, age, race, education), chronic diseases [chronic bronchitis, emphysema, thyroid problems, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, stroke, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and depression score on the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9)], lifestyle habits (history of smoking, hours of sleep), etc., were collected. Cognitive function was assessed using the consortium to establish a registry for Alzheimer's disease word learning subtest (CERAD-WL), animal fluency test (AFT), and digit symbol substitution test (DSST) for the 2011-2014 data, while only the DSST was used for the 1999-2002 data. Differences in the above information among the GNRI cohorts were compared. Factors affecting cognitive function in the population were analyzed using multifactorial Logistic regression. RESULTS: 2 653 participants from 2011 to 2014 and 2 380 participants from 1999 to 2002 were enrolled, with a total of 5 033 participants in the study. There were statistically significant differences in age, stroke, diabetes mellitus, DSST score, AFT score, CERAD score test 1 recall (Cst1), and CERAD score test 2 recall (Cst2) among the GNRI groups. Multifactorial Logistic regression analysis of data from 2011 to 2014 showed that in model 3 (DSST score, age, gender, race, marriage, education, hours of sleep, history of smoking, emphysema, thyroid problems, chronic bronchitis, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, depression score on the PHQ-9, and stroke) adjusted for all covariates, GNRI was a protective factor for DSST [odds ratio (OR) = 1.03, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.00 to 1.05, P = 0.03]; Logistic regression analyse for 1999 to 2002 and 2011 to 2014 showed a significant association even after adjustment for covariates (OR = 1.02, 95%CI was 1.00 to 1.03, P = 0.02). Subgroup Logistic regression analyses of the total population from 2011 to 2014 showed a significant association between GNRI and DSST scores (OR = 1.02, 95%CI was 1.01 to 1.03, P < 0.001), with significant associations in the age subgroups of 60 to 64 years old, across gender, non-Hispanic Whites and Blacks, by education, and by marital status associations were significant (all P < 0.05). Subgroup Logistic regression analyse of the total populations from 1999 to 2002 and 2011 to 2014 showed a significant association between the GNRI and DSST score (OR = 1.01, 95%CI was 1.01 to 1.02, P < 0.001), but did not show a significant year difference (interaction P = 0.503), and the newly found in the smoking population the association was also more significant (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The GNRI correlates with the presence of cognitive functions related to processing speed, sustained attention, and executive function, and may be able to serve as an indicator for the assessment or prediction of related cognitive functions.
Humans ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Nutrition Surveys ; Cognition ; Female ; Male ; Nutritional Status ; Risk Factors ; Geriatric Assessment

BACKGROUND

High-risk areas in the Philippines still experience a high prevalence of undernutrition. The efforts of the governments are not enough to reach those who are in need; hence, the presence of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) is crucial. One CSO has implemented health and nutrition technical programs to increase the number of well-fed children in four selected areas in the Philippines.

This study aims to shed light on the differences in the nutritional status of the children when they are characterized according to their sociodemographic and economic covariates.

An analytical cross-sectional design was used to survey 692 households, including 764 children aged 0–5 years old. Descriptive analysis and the Chi-Square test of difference were used to answer the objectives.

The study results show that no significant differences were observed when the nutritional status of the children was characterized according to the sociodemographic of the caregiver, food consumption score (FCS) and food security status, water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH) practices, and economic indicators, except weight-for-height and marital status of caregivers, and weight-for-age and livelihood and economic support received by their caregivers (P = 0.02).

The majority of children, regardless of their nutritional status, share the same experience and resources in terms of sociodemographics of caregivers, FCS and food security status, WASH practices, and economic indicators. CSO can boost the impact of their health and nutrition interventions by harmonizing their efforts with government programs, leading to better-targeted and more efficient outcomes.

Humans ; Dietary Supplements ; Vitamin A Deficiency/epidemiology* ; Vitamin A/therapeutic use* ; China/epidemiology* ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Consensus ; Nutritional Status ; Child

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the determinants linked to stunting among infants and young children aged 0-23 months in the Fourth District of Camarines Sur.

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 628 primary caregivers with infants and young children aged 0-23 months in four municipalities of the Fourth District of Camarines Sur, Philippines, using a two stage stratified random sampling design. Data on sociodemographic and economic factors were collected through face-to-face interviews. Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators were assessed using a list-based approach, while weight and length were evaluated using the World Health Organization Anthro Plus software. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were done using R statistical software version 4.3.1.

The study revealed that the prevalence of stunting was of significant public health concern, reaching 42.8%. Holding other variables constant, age of the child (OR=0.77; 95% CI: 0.63-0.94), having college undergraduate mothers (OR=0.26; 95% CI: 0.05-1.28), and belonging to a poor income household (OR=0.40; 95% CI: 0.14-0.88) were associated with stunting among infants aged 0.01-6.00 months. Moreover, after controlling for the confounding effects of other variables, age (OR=1.09; 95% CI: 1.05-1.14) and sex of the child (OR=1.55; 95% CI: 1.05-2.28) were associated with stunting among older children aged 6.00-23.99 months.

This study emphasizes the challenge of stunting in the Fourth District of Camarines Sur. None of the IYCF indicators were associated with stunting; however, maternal education, the child’s age, sex, and socioeconomic status were identified as significant factors influencing stunting. Addressing these determinants through targeted interventions focusing on improving maternal education and enhancing socio-economic conditions were crucial to reducing stunting in the study areas.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to describe the micronutrient intake and diet quality of overweight and obese Filipino adults in the National Capital Region (NCR). Specifically, it seeks to assess micronutrient inadequacy among these individuals and analyze differences in food intake based on their sociodemographic profiles and lifestyle habits.

This analytical cross-sectional study utilized data from the Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) conducted in 2018, 2019, and 2021 by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI). A total of 3,154 overweight and obese subjects were included. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed to analyze the food groups consumed by these adults.

Majority of overweight and obese adults were found to be inadequate in vitamin A (81.7%), vitamin C (88.4%), thiamin (62.5%), riboflavin (70.7%), iron (69.8%), and calcium (88.7%). Significant differences were observed in the mean intake of various food groups across different age groups, sexes, civil statuses, wealth quintiles, educational attainments, employment statuses, and smoking and drinking statuses.

Filipino adults who are overweight and obese, and residing in urban settings face significant challenges related to micronutrient inadequacy. When their food intake was assessed based on sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, it was found that their diets were more calorie-dense than nutrient-dense. To address this issue, it is recommended to encourage a wider variety of nutrient-dense foods among overweight and obese adults.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the changes in body composition and nutritional risks faced by children with different stages of acute leukemia (AL). METHODS: Bioelectrical impedance analysis combined with anthropometric measurements was used to detect body composition. This prospective study was conducted from August 2023 to July 2024 at Shandong Provincial Hospital, examining the body composition and physical balance of children with various stages of AL and healthy children. RESULTS: The non-fat components of children with AL and healthy children both showed a linear increase with age. In the younger age group, there were no significant differences in body composition between children with AL and healthy children. However, in the older age group, the body composition of children undergoing chemotherapy for AL was significantly lower than that of healthy children (P<0.05), and muscle mass recovered first after the completion of AL chemotherapy. The proportion of children with increased trunk fat in AL children who completed chemotherapy was significantly lower than that in healthy children (P<0.05), while the incidence rate of severe left-right imbalance in body composition was significantly higher (P<0.05). Muscle distribution in children with AL primarily showed insufficient limb and overall muscle mass, whereas healthy children mainly exhibited insufficient upper limb muscle mass. CONCLUSIONS The body composition of children with AL varies at different treatment stages, indicating that nutritional status is affected by both the disease itself and the treatment. Early screening can provide a basis for reasonable nutritional intervention.
Humans ; Child ; Male ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Body Composition ; Prospective Studies ; Adolescent ; Leukemia/metabolism* ; Infant ; Nutritional Status ; Acute Disease ; Electric Impedance

OBJECTIVES: To study the impact of different induction remission therapies on the nutritional status of children with Crohn's disease (CD). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical data of 188 children with CD who received induction remission therapy at the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2013 to May 2023. The effects of three induction remission therapies-exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), corticosteroids, and infliximab (IFX)-on height, weight, hemoglobin, and trace elements were compared. RESULTS: After induction remission therapy, the weight-for-age Z scores and serum levels of hemoglobin and albumin in all three groups significantly increased (P<0.05), while the height-for-age Z scores showed no change (P>0.05). The levels of folic acid, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, serum iron, and total calcium increased, and serum copper levels decreased in the EEN and IFX groups (P<0.05). Vitamin B₁₂ levels improved in the EEN group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS EEN, corticosteroids, and IFX may effectively improve the weight-for-age Z scores and serum levels of hemoglobin and albumin in children with CD. EEN and IFX seem to be superior to corticosteroid therapy in improving 25-hydroxy vitamin D, folic acid, serum iron, and total calcium levels.
Humans ; Crohn Disease/blood* ; Child ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Adolescent ; Nutritional Status ; Infliximab/therapeutic use* ; Child, Preschool ; Enteral Nutrition ; Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use*