Tình trạng dinh dưỡng và một số yếu tố liên quan ở trẻ từ 5–10 tuổi tại Bệnh viện Nhi Trung ương

Malnutrition in school-aged children, encompassing both undernutrition (underweight, stunting, wasting) and overnutrition (overweight-obesity), remains a critical public health challenge globally, particularly in developing countries like Vietnam. The 5-10 year age range is a pivotal period for physical and cognitive development, where optimal nutritional status is fundamental for long-term health, academic performance, and overall well-being. Understanding the current nutritional status and identifying factors associated with malnutrition in this specific age group is essential for guiding effective public health interventions. This study aims to provide crucial insights into the prevalence of various forms of malnutrition and their determinants among children aged 5-10 years presenting at a specialized nutrition clinic, thereby highlighting areas for targeted support and policy development.

Pediatricians, nutritionists, public health professionals, researchers in child health and nutrition, and policymakers involved in maternal and child health programs.

This cross-sectional descriptive study investigated the nutritional status and associated factors among 254 children aged 5-10 years attending the Nutrition Clinic at the National Children's Hospital. The findings revealed a high prevalence of various forms of malnutrition: 31.9% were underweight, 21.3% stunted, 16.9% wasted, and 5.5% experienced overweight-obesity, with no significant gender differences observed for these conditions. Key determinants were identified, including low birth weight, which significantly increased the odds of being underweight (3.7 times) and wasted (4.7 times). Parental height also played a significant role, with both maternal and paternal heights showing a statistical association with the child's height-for-age, and maternal height exhibiting a stronger influence. Furthermore, unhealthy eating habits were strongly linked to malnutrition; skipping breakfast increased the risk of stunting by 8.3 times, while eating quickly raised the likelihood of overweight or obesity by 8.4 times. The persistence of high malnutrition rates across all forms among children in this age group underscores the urgent need for tailored and timely nutritional interventions to support their optimal growth and development. The study's insights into specific risk factors can inform the development of targeted public health strategies, parental education programs, and clinical guidance to address the multifaceted burden of malnutrition in school-aged children.