Child malnutrition is a major health issue in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas like Bayelsa State. This study compares the nutritional status of under-five children and caregivers in Agudama-Epie (a UNICEF-intervened community) and Amasoma (a non-intervened community). Using a cross-sectional design, data was collected from 202 caregiver-child pairs through questionnaires and anthropometric measurements following WHO standards. Results showed malnutrition was prevalent in both communities, but lower in Agudama-Epie, with better hygiene, diet diversification, and feeding habits. Stunting, wasting, and underweight rates were relatively lower in Agudama-Epie. In contrast, Amasoma had higher malnutrition rates linked to poor breastfeeding, low dietary variety, inadequate sanitation, and increased disease burden. The study also found malnutrition is a dual burden, with underweight and overweight cases coexisting in families, reflecting a mix of BMI patterns among caregivers. The study concludes that government and NGO nutrition interventions can reduce undernutrition among under-five children. Sustainability requires combined efforts in caregiver education, poverty reduction, and environmental health enhancement. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions to address malnutrition in vulnerable communities.
Young children require optimal nutritional intake, including through the selection of safe and nutritious snacks at childcare centers. Snacks that are visually appealing in terms of color, shape, and taste do not necessarily guarantee safety or nutritional quality; therefore, educating caregivers and those supervising the children is essential. This community service activity aimed to enhance the knowledge, awareness, and skills of caregivers regarding the selection and provision of snacks that are safe, nutritious, and suited to children's needs. The activity was conducted at the Sahabat Hati Childcare Center on June 26, 2026, employing educational, participatory, and demonstrative approaches that included briefings, discussions, practical snack identification exercises, and an introduction to food labeling. Evaluation was carried out using pre-tests and post-tests to measure changes in participants' knowledge. The results showed that the average participant knowledge score rose from 49% in the pre-test to 91% in the post-test, representing an increase of 42 percentage points. The most significant improvements were observed in the understanding that appealing snacks are not necessarily healthy and in the recognition of harmful food colorings, with each area showing a 50-percentage-point increase. This activity successfully improved participants' knowledge regarding healthy snack selection and is expected to support the formation of healthy eating habits and efforts to prevent nutritional issues, including stunting.
Siti Masdah, Nita Putriasti Mayarestya, Ayu Diana Meilantika et al.
The Waorani are a recently contacted indigenous group inhabiting oil extraction territories in the Amazon. This study aimed to analyse the prevalence of stunting and explore its association with health determinants in Waorani children under 5 years of age. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 102 children. Mothers were surveyed about biological, socioeconomic, environmental and health service determinants. Bivariate, multivariate and weight-adjusted logistic regression models were performed. A total of 39.2% of the children exhibited stunting. Health determinants such as male sex (OR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.63-4.64), short maternal stature (OR = 4.96, 95% CI: 2.38-10.84), child age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.05), reduced dietary diversity (OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.27-4.53) were associated with a higher prevalence of stunting. Prenatal care was also associated with stunting (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.16-2.21, for two or more checkups), with a potential reverse causality effect. Tall birth height (OR 0.28, 95% CI: 0.13-0.57) was associated with a lower prevalence of stunting. No socioeconomic differences were found related to stunting. The health determinants model may have limitations in socioeconomically homogeneous populations. Stunting prevention policies should take this model into account, contextualised to the specific territory.
María F. Rivadeneira, Andrea Bravo-Díaz, José Cóndor et al.
Abstract Infants’ motor development is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The objective of this study is to investigate whether there are differences in the age of gross motor skill development between cohorts observed over a 30-year period, and if these differences are observed among children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis included 1348 children (613 girls and 735 boys).The data comes from three cohorts. The first cohort consists of children born in the years 1992–1997, the second born in the years 2003–2008, and the third of children born just before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the years 2019–2022. In each cohort, parents were invited to complete a survey questionnaire concerning the gross motor development of their children. Furthermore, the respondents were asked about the type of infant feeding in the first months of life (breastfeeding versus formula feeding) and the parents’ educational level. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify the factors influencing the age at which gross motor development milestones are reached. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences in the age at which children began independent sitting (H = 168.91, p < 0.001), independent standing (H = 91.83, p < 0.001) and independent walking (H = 66.94, p < 0.001) between children born in the three cohorts. The multiple regression model showed that the factors negatively correlated with the age at which children can sit independently are the cohorts 1992–1997 and 2003–2008 compared with the cohort 2019–2022 (Beta = -0.372; p < 0.001 and Beta = -0.236; p < 0.001, respectively), formula feeding compared with breastfeeding (Beta = 0.054; p = 0.049) and the mother’s secondary education level compared with higher education (Beta = -0.085; p = 0.021). Furthermore, factors negatively correlated with the age of independent standing are cohorts from 1992 to 1997 and 2003–2008 vs. 2019–2022 (respectively Beta = -0.268; p < 0.001 and Beta = -0.166; p < 0.001). The same factors are negatively correlated with the age of independent walking – years 1992–1997 vs. 2019–2022 (Beta = -0.280; p < 0.001) and years 2003–2008 vs. 2019–2022 (Beta = -0.189; p < 0.001). In central Poland, in one of the country’s largest cities (Lodz) the shift in the age at which infants reach the stages of gross motor development – significantly later attainment of motor developmental milestones – intensifies with every decade, which may not be without consequences for children’s proper growth and development. For this reason, further research is needed to identify which environmental factors have a significant impact on infants’ gross motor development.
Micronutrient deficiencies in children are common, often coexisting and subclinical, yet remain underrecognized.This expert consensus aims to provide an integrated framework for pediatric bone health, emphasizing multi-nutrient interactions and strategies to support adequate bone accrual and peak bone mass during growth.This consensus was developed using a modified Delphi methodology involving a multidisciplinary panel of 23 experts.A structured review of the literature was conducted to synthesize evidence on nutritional determinants, bone biology, and clinical management.Consensus statements were developed and subjected to a single-round anonymized Delphi voting process, with agreement defined as ≥75%.This expert consensus highlights the potential burden of dietary inadequacy and subclinical deficiency of key micronutrients, including vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.Evidence supports a systems-based model of bone health, emphasizing the interdependence of structural minerals, regulatory cofactors, and hormonal pathways.A life-course approach was identified as essential, with critical windows during early life and adolescence.The panel recommends risk-based screening, comprehensive clinical assessment, and a context-specific approach to nutritional management that considers multiple nutrient and lifestyle factors for prevention and management.Practical guidance on formulation, dosing considerations, and implementation strategies is also provided.Pediatric bone health may benefit from a comprehensive, multi-nutrient and multi-mineral framework that complements assessment and management of individual nutrient deficiencies and is aligned with underlying physiology.Adoption of riskbased, life-course strategies and context-specific nutritional interventions may support skeletal health, while high-quality clinical studies are needed to establish the effects of multi-nutrient interventions on bone outcomes and fracture risk.
Poor environmental sanitation in coastal areas is closely associated with environmentally related diseases and malnutrition among under-five children, but participatory interventions are rarely evaluated at the household level. Therefore, this study aimed to implement and evaluate a family-centered adaptation of the Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST) method in Medan Belawan District, Indonesia. A Participatory Action Research (PAR) design engaged 30 households with children under five years of age. Qualitative interview and observation data were triangulated with descriptive pre- and post-intervention sanitation indicators and anthropometric data to validate the thematic evidence. The results from the baseline assessment showed inadequate sanitation conditions, including unsafe toilets, open wastewater channels, as well as poor hygiene and waste management. Following the intervention, all families stored water and food in covered containers, 83.3% disposed of waste daily, and 50% performed actions such as closing toilet holes and cleaning up scattered waste. The intervention increased household environmental awareness, strengthened shared family responsibility for sanitation, and produced measurable improvements in sanitation practices. This reduced the risk of environmentally related diseases, and malnutrition remains a plausible, unmeasured downstream benefit. In conclusion, the adaptation appears feasible and acceptable for strengthening household sanitation ownership in low-resource coastal communities, warranting further evaluation of its longer-term health impact.
Evi Naria, Indra Chahaya, Rusmalawaty Rusmalawaty et al.
Introduction: The high rate of stunting in East Nusa Tenggara Province is related to patriarchal cultural practices that affect decision-making patterns in households. The dominance of fathers in determining aspects of child nutrition and health has an impact on the fulfillment of children's rights, especially in North Central Timor Regency. Purposes of the Research: This study aims to analyze the relationship between patriarchal culture and stunting and assess the role of the Child Protection Law in efforts to overcome it. Methods of the Research: This study uses a descriptive normative-empirical legal research method with a qualitative approach through non-participatory observations, direct interviews, and normative studies of the Child Protection Law. Results Main Findings of the Research: The results of the study showed a significant relationship between patriarchal culture and the increase in stunting rates in Noemuti District, North Central Timor Regency. The main findings included maternal dependence on husbands' decisions, low discipline in children's feeding time since pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the phenomenon of double burdens experienced by mothers. These conditions have an impact on the non-optimal fulfillment of child nutrition and health. The Child Protection Law has the potential to be used as a normative, imperative, and repressive instrument through socialization and enforcement of the obligations of parents, especially fathers (in patriarchal culture), in ensuring the fulfillment of children's rights.
Ellon Belwan Cornelius Mau, Yanto Melkianus Paulus Ekon, Adriani Rafael et al.
Abstrak: Anemia pada balita masih menjadi masalah kesehatan masyarakat yang signifikan, terutama di wilayah dengan tingkat sosial ekonomi menengah ke bawah. Prevalensi anemia anak balita cenderung menunjukkan kenaikan dari tahun ke tahun. Dampak terhadap kematian dan kualitas sumber daya manusia di masa mendatang akibat kejadian anemia, mendorong pemerintah untuk melakukan penanganan yang lebih optimal. Tujuan pengabdian dilakukan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan mitra mengenai pemanfaatan hati ayam sebagai sumber protein hewani untuk mencegah anemia pada balita. Metode pengabdian dilakukan melalui penyuluhan, pelatihan, dan pendampingan. Mitrra sasaran pada kegiatan ini yaitu kader posyandu Sarinita sejumlah 20 orang. Evaluasi kegiatan dilaksanakan dengan melakukan pretest dan posttest melalui kuesioner dan lembar observasi dengan jumlah pertanyaan 10 butir mengenai pengetahuan tentang anemia balita, pengukuran antropometri, dan keterampilan mengolah hati ayam menjadi cemilan stik. Hasil pretest peserta sebelum dilakukan kegiatan pengabdian ini menunjukkan sebanyak 60% peserta memiliki pengetahuan rendah dan 100% peserta tidak terampil membuat cemilan kerupuk stik hati ayam. Hasil posttest melalui kuesioner dan lembar observasi menunjukkan bahwa terjadi peningkatan pengetahuan dan keterampilan pada peserta yakni pengetahuan kategori tinggi sebesar 75% dan 100% peserta terampil membuat kerupuk stik hati ayam.Abstract: Anemia among children under five remains a significant public health issue, particularly in areas with low-to-middle socioeconomic status. The prevalence of anemia in this age group has shown a tendency to rise over the years. The potential impact of anemia on mortality and the future quality of human resources has prompted the government to seek more optimal interventions. This community service activity aimed to enhance the partners' knowledge and skills regarding the use of chicken liver as a source of animal protein to prevent anemia in children under five. The activity was conducted through health education, training, and mentoring. The target partners consisted of 20 participants from the Sarinita group.The activity was evaluated using pre-tests and post-tests—administered via questionnaires and observation sheets—comprising 10 questions covering knowledge of anemia in toddlers, anthropometric measurements, and skills in processing chicken liver into snack sticks. Pre-test results indicated that 60% of participants had low knowledge, and none possessed the skills to make chicken liver snack sticks. Post-test results demonstrated an improvement in both knowledge and skills: 75% of participants reached the high-knowledge category, and all participants became skilled in making chicken liver snack sticks.
Adolescence (10–19 years) is a critical period of rapid growth and development with increased nutritional needs. Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to anaemia and malnutrition due to growth, menstrual blood loss, gender inequalities, early pregnancy and limited access to health services. Globally, undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and anaemia coexist with rising overweight and obesity. In India, the CNNS 2016–18 reported substantial levels of stunting, thinness and anaemia among adolescents, with about 40% of adolescent girls affected by anaemia. This article reviews the nutritional status, dietary practices, determinants and major nutrition programmes for adolescent girls in India. The evidence highlights the need for a life-course and multisectoral approach integrating nutritious diets, micronutrient interventions, health services, education and gender-responsive strategies.
Chronic aflatoxins exposure may impair immune function, but evidence in African children is limited. We assessed their association with hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) levels in Rwandan children receiving nutritional support for malnutrition recovery or prevention. A total of 216 children aged 7–59 months were enrolled, including 70 malnutrition cases and 146 controls. Anti-HBs concentrations were measured using the ARCHITECT System (Abbott Diagnostics), and aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2 and AFB1-lysine) were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Anti-HBs levels were highly variable (median = 84.8 IU/ml, IQR 14.0–283.4). Serum analysis for AFB1-lysine revealed a mean concentration of 23.43 ± 5.76 pg/mg albumin, while none of the samples showed detectable levels of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, or AFG2 above the limit of detection. In unadjusted analyses, no significant differences in Anti-HBs or aflatoxin levels were observed between cases and controls (Mann–Whitney U, p = 0.452 and p = 0.119, respectively) or between sexs (t-test, p = 0.642 and p = 0.352). Age was not correlated with aflatoxin levels (r = 0.06, p = 0.556). In multivariable linear regression analyses adjusting for age, place of residence, socioeconomic status, and sex, nutritional status emerged as a significant determinant of Anti-HBs levels. Specifically, the control group had higher Anti-HBs levels than the case group (β = 0.573, 95% CI 0.076–1.070, p = 0.024), while aflatoxin exposure showed no independent association with Anti-HBs levels (β = − 0.003, 95% CI − 0.031–0.025, p = 0.832). These findings suggest that, in this population, nutritional status rather than chronic aflatoxins burden, is the primary determinant of Anti-HBs response, highlighting the importance of targeted nutritional interventions to support immune protection in children.
