Nutrition status of children in a well-child clinic in Lagos Nigeria

The burden of malnutrition is evident around the world and more pronounced in developing countries affecting vulnerable groups such as infants, children under five years of age and pregnant women. This study assessed the nutritional status of infants and children aged 9-59 months who visited a well-child clinic at a teaching hospital in Lagos Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 207 children consecutively recruited at a well-child clinic in 2013. Data was collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Information collected includes the sociodemographic details of each child and caregiver. In addition, selected anthropometric measurements, biochemical tests comprising serum ferritin and total blood protein levels as well as dietary information for each child participant were obtained by trained data collectors. The sampled children were aged 9-59 months, with slightly over half (53.6%) being 12 months old and above. There were more female children and the number of Fathers 84.1%who had attained tertiary education was higher (84.1%) than that of mothers (76.3%). Serum protein and ferritin levels were less than the normal reference values in 1.8% and 26.2% of the children respectively, while the prevalence of underweight children was 4.9% and 8.1% of the children were overweight based on weight-for-age z-scores. Results from the dietary survey showed that the children consumed fewer proteins than carbohydrates. Furthermore, only 18.8% and 12.6% of parents reported feeding their children fruits and vegetables. Significantly more mothers (97.5%) with tertiary education had children with normal weight for age (P<0.05). Despite the low prevalence of malnutrition among the sampled population, it was found that consumption of fruits and vegetables was low, yet these are major sources of vital micronutrients. Results indicated that the prevalence of malnutrition among the study group was generally low. Therefore, steps must be taken to ensure nutrition specific and nutrition sensitive intervention programs aimed at improving the nutritional status of childrenKey words: Nutritional status, assessment, children, weight, ferritin, protein, diet, malnutrition, clini

Investigating catastrophic health expenditure among people living with HIV and AIDS in South Western Nigeria

Abstract Background This study aimed to determine the catastrophic healthcare expenditure (CHE) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Lagos and to identify factors associated with CHE among them. Methods The study was a descriptive cross‐sectional survey conducted between January and March 2021 among 578 PLHIVs drawn from various healthcare facilities in Lagos where HIV care and treatment services should be provided free of charge. Data were collected through pretested questionnaires and analyzed using Stata SE 12. Results The mean monthly expenditure on food was N29,282 ($53.2), while expenditure on healthcare averaged N8364 ($15.2). Nearly 60% of respondents experienced CHE, while around 30% had to borrow money to pay for some aspect of their medical treatment. Almost all (96%) had no health insurance plan. Respondents' group, personal income, perception of current health status, and the number of people in their households were significantly associated with catastrophic health expenditure p < 0.05. PLHIV in the racial/ethnic minority/migrants' group and those who earned less than ₦30,000 ($55) were statistically significantly associated with CHE at p < 0.001 with OR of 28.7 and 3.15, respectively. Conclusions The study, therefore, highlights the widespread financial hardship faced by PLHIV in accessing healthcare, and the need for policies to increase financial risk protection