IMPACT OF EARLY NUTRITION ON CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AT THE DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS, LRH PESHAWAR
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Keywords
Early nutrition, childhood development, cross-sectional study, pediatric health
Abstract
Background
Nutrition in the first 2000 days of life is critical for children. Research shows that if an individual does not take the required nutrients in these years, his or her bodily, mental, and social growth is affected. If proper nutrients are not consumed during this period, long-term complications are likely to affect the individual's health.
Objectives: This study assesses the role of nutrition during the early years on children's development among pediatric patients in LRH Peshawar.
Study design: A cross-sectional study
Place and duration of study. Department of Pediatrics, LRH Peshawar from 05-Jan 2021 to 05-July 2021.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 05 January 2021 to 05 July 2021 with one hundred (100) children between the ages of 2-5 years. Data collection techniques included ever-structured interviews, dietary recalls, and anthropometric measurements. The gross motor and fine motor development, language development, and the child's adaptive behavior were assessed using the following instruments appropriate for the child's Age.
Results: The study involved 100 children with a mean age of 3. 5 years + 1. 2 years. The children who ate a balanced diet were more physically, cognitively, and socially developed than their counterparts. For instance, 70% of well-nourished children attained the development milestones at the right Age as opposed to 30% of children with poor nutrition. Children who were malnourished were delayed, and this showed that early nutritional intervention was important.
Conclusion: Nutrition during a child's initial years of life is especially critical to their Development. Balanced diets in the early years are recommended for better health. Therefore, health policies should target nutritional intervention programs since children are affected.
References
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Inayatullah Khan
Assistant Professor, Pediatrics Department, Medical Teaching Institution, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar
Ayesha
House Officer, Pediatrics Department, Peshawar Institute of Medical Sciences, Hayatabad Peshawar
Amir Muhammad
Associate Professor, Pediatrics Department, Medical Teaching Institution, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar