Assessing Pediatric Malnutrition in an In-Patient Setting, Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital, Lesotho
Name: Samantha Marosis
School: Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Class of 2023
Mentor: Lawrence Stanberry, Md, PhD and Kim Hekimian, PhD
Abstract and Brief Student Video
Lesotho’s pediatric population has high prevalence of malnutrition, which can lead to many poor health outcomes for children, including increased hospitalization, immune suppression, and stunting. At the request of Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital, a research proposal was created to determine the prevalence and determinants of malnutrition within in-patient children under five years of age. A review of the literature was performed, and experts in the field were consulted to determine the variables needed to assess both prevalence and potential risk factors for malnutrition. Proposed variables for the study include anthropometric measures, biomarkers for blood (e.g. anemia) and stool (parasites), nutrition screening questions and demographic data. A cross-sectional study with retrospective data from chart review of children under 5 admitted from 2015-2020 is proposed. An IRB was prepared and submitted. Due to the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic, the data collection has not yet started. The use of screening tests for malnutrition is valuable for identifying prevalence and determinants of pediatric malnutrition in a hospital setting. The implementation of such a tool at Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital may help assess a patient’s risk of malnutrition, guide hospital treatments, and plan for follow-up after discharge. Breastfeeding is another significant predictor of pediatric malnutrition. Although breastfeeding rates in Lesotho are relatively high, it is essential to ensure mothers are informed about the benefits of breastfeeding, especially during this pandemic. Assessing the prevalence of acute and chronic malnutrition and its determinants may inform hospital stakeholders for future quality improvement programs.