TÌNH TRẠNG DINH DƯỠNG Ở TRẺ 6–60 THÁNG KHÁM DINH DƯỠNG NGOẠI TRÚ TẠI BỆNH VIỆN E

Abstract

Aims: To describe the nutritional status of children aged 6–60 months attending outpatient nutrition consultations at Hospital E and to identify selected factors associated with undernutrition.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 152 children aged 6–60 months with acute illnesses, attended outpatient consultations, and required nutritional counseling at E Hospital from August 2025 to April 2026. Nutritional status was classified according to the WHO 2006 Child Growth Standards using WHO Anthro software. 

Results: The prevalence of stunting was 34.3% among children aged 24–60 months and 24.4% among those aged 6–23 months. Wasting was mainly observed in children under 24 months of age.

The overall prevalence of micronutrient deficiency was 81.6%. The iron deficiency accounting for 67.1% and zinc deficiency for 42.1%. The prevalence of anemia was significantly higher in the 6–23-month age group (31.7%) compared to the 24–60-month age group (10.0%), p<0.001. Inadequate maternal gestational weight gain, lack of early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, and insufficient diversity of complementary feeding were significantly associated with undernutrition, p<0.05.

Conclusions:Undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies remain common among children aged 6–60 months attending outpatient nutrition consultations. Strengthening nutritional care during pregnancy, promoting early initiation of breastfeeding after birth, and improving dietary diversity in complementary feeding are necessary to enhance children’s nutritional status.