Child welfare clinic attendance during the COVID-19 restriction era and the nutritional status of children

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Abstract
Background The covid-19 pandemic undoubtedly affected child welfare clinic services. However, there is limited data on how attendance to child welfare clinics during the pandemic associates with the nutritional status of children. This cross-sectional study, therefore, sought to assess child welfare clinic attendance within the covid-19 restriction era and how it associates with the nutritional status of children. Methods The study was conducted in four health facilities– one hospital, one health centre and two outreach centres. A total of 300 mother-child pairs participated in the study. Socio-demographic, dietary (multiple 24hr recalls), anthropometric (weight, height and mid-upper arm circumference) and biochemical (haemoglobin) characteristics were assessed for all children. Also, information on child welfare clinic attendance, vaccinations and supplementations were obtained from the maternal and child health record book. Results The median age of the children was 15(14) months. The mean weight-for-age and height-for-age z scores were -0.630(1.66) and -0.770(1.99). Among study participants, the mean number of attendances to child welfare clinics from the index case through the restriction period and after the easing of restrictions were 6.0(3.0) vrs 7.0(4.0), pConclusions Findings from this study revealed that the covid-19 restriction period was associated with a decline in child welfare clinic attendance, vitamin A supplementation and vaccination. The study showed that children who missed CWC during the covid-19 restriction era were more likely to have nutrient consumption below recommended levels. High prevalence of stunting and anaemia exist among children. Frequent nutrition education, nutrition surveillances and provision of micronutrient powders can help mitigate malnutrition among children.

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