Treatment Outcomes of Severe Acute Malnutrition and Its Determinants Among Pediatric Patients in Quetta, Pakistan

By:
Nazir Ahmed, Fehmida Umar, Fahad Saleem, Qaiser Iqbal, Sajjad Haider, Mohammad Bashaar
Date:
2023
Resource type:
Blogs/news/opinion
Link:
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This study analyzes treatment outcomes of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) among children aged 6–59 months in Quetta, Pakistan. Conducted at an Outpatient Therapeutic Feeding Program (OTP) center, the study assessed 182 patient records.

Findings show a recovery rate of 68.6%, while 22.5% were non-responsive, 11% defaulted, and 3.5% died. The study identifies diarrhea as a major risk factor, significantly lowering recovery rates. Children receiving amoxicillin had a 2.45 times higher chance of recovery. The authors recommend enhancing community education, OTP monitoring, and program evaluation to improve recovery rates.

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