Factors Associated with Treatment Outcomes of Under-five Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition Admitted to Therapeutic Feeding Unit of Yirgalem Hospital

Abstract

Background: Worldwide severe acute malnutrition (SAM) affects more than 19 million children and Africa pointed as a region where the problem is highly prevalent. Because of the high chance of death, as compared to well-nourished one, child with severe acute malnutrition needs hospitalization or strict follow up for clinical management. However, protocol is available for the clinical management of SAM cases, monitoring and evaluation of treatment center performance is important for the betterment of outcomes. Thus, this study aimed to assess treatment outcome and associated factors among under-five children with severe acute malnutrition admitted to therapeutic feeding unit of Yirgalem Hospital.