Outcomes of Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition in a Tribal Daycare Setting

Abstract

Objective: To describe the nutritional outcomes of children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in a village-level intervention. Methods: This observational longitudinal study on 179 children aged <3 years was conducted in seven tribal blocks of Central and Eastern India with SAM managed in a comprehensive day care program. Results: 76% children with SAM showed improvement over a 4-6 months period, with 37% shifting to normal anthrometric status. There was a significant shift in Z scores. Conclusions: This community-based intervention showed fair results for management of children with SAM at village level.