CÁC YẾU TỐ NGUY CƠ CỦA SUY DINH DƯỠNG THẤP CÒI Ở TRẺ DƯỚI 6 THÁNG TUỔI TẠI KHOA SỨC KHỎE TRẺ EM, BỆNH VIỆN NHI ĐỒNG 2

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to identify the risk factors for stunted malnutrition in infants under six months old attending the Pediatric Health Department at Children’s Hospital 2 in 2024.

Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 422 infants seen at the Pediatric Health Department, Children’s Hospital 2, from March to May 2024. Infants were directly weighed and measured, and caregivers were interviewed regarding birth characteristics, neonatal health conditions, current feeding practices, and sleep patterns.

Results: The prevalence of stunted malnutrition was 13.7%. Factors associated with stunting included preterm birth and low birth weight, with prevalence ratios (PR) of 4.75 (95% CI: 3.06-7.38) and 6.45 (95% CI: 4.28-9.73), respectively. Early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour postpartum was a protective factor with PR = 0.56 (95% CI: 0.34-0.91), as was continued breastfeeding at the time of the study with PR = 0.59 (95% CI: 0.37-0.95). Stunting was inversely related to vitamin D supplementation (PR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.17-0.91) but positively associated with nighttime crying episodes (PR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.11-3.18).

Conclusion: Stunting within the first six months remains relatively common among infants visiting the Pediatric Health Department at Children’s Hospital 2. Counseling on prenatal care and maternal nutrition, encouraging early and sustained breastfeeding per guidelines, vitamin D supplementation, and infant sleep management are essential to reduce the prevalence of stunted malnutrition.