LEARN Lao PDR - manuscript: Factors associated with food consumption patterns of inpatient children aged 3 - 5 years with diarrhea in hospitals in Khammuane province 2019

Factors associated with food consumption patterns of inpatient children aged 3 - 5 years with diarrhea in hospitals in Khammuane province 2019

Abstract

Introduction: Diarrhea is the most common childhood illness and causes hospitalization especially in low and middle income countries. It accounts for about 8% of all child deaths worldwide. However, these problems can be stopped by continuing to give nutrient rich foods during and after diarrhea. The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with food consumption patterns of inpatient children aged 3 - 5 years with diarrhea in hospitals in Khammuane province during 2019.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with mothers or caregivers of 130 inpatient children aged 3 - 5 years presenting with diarrhea in hospitals in Khammuane province using a structured questionnaire.

Result: Our findings showed that 29.2% of children had inappropriate food consumption patterns. The factors associated significantly with inpatient children’s food consumption patterns were the caregiver’s age (AOR=0.3, 95% CI=0.1-0.9), the caregiver’s knowledge (AOR=5.1, 95% CI=1.1-22.2) and the caregiver’s perception (AOR=0.2, 95% CI=0.1-0.7). Language was the main barrier for the provision of good practices and meaningful consultations.

Conclusion: In order to improve inpatient children’s food consumption it is recommended that guidelines for the well-being of sick children for medical staff, nutrition education programs for caregivers in hospitals and the community should be developed, and awareness of families and communities about the health benefits of a proper diet, especially during diarrhea also need to be raised.