Comparison of anthropometric measurements with scales used in determining malnutrition in hospitalized pediatric patients aged 2-10 years

Malnutrition is defined as the irregularity in the intake of essential nutrients such as protein and energy, which are basic functions affecting body weight, physical functions, nutrition and clinical condition. This irregularity in nutritional status is considered a risk factor for prolonged discharge, delayed recovery, and increased healthcare costs in hospitalized children. In the evaluation of malnutrition, in addition to clinical findings, anthropometric measurements and scales that evaluate nutritional status are used. There are many scales for determining malnutrition status in hospitalized pediatric patients aged 2-10 years. However, there is no study comparing these scales in our age group. The aim of this study was to compare anthropometric measurements with scales used to determine malnutrition status in hospitalized pediatric patients aged 2-10 years. The study employed a survey design. It was conducted with 120 patients aged 2-10 years who were referred by a physician to Gaziantep Cengiz Gökçek Maternity and Children's Hospital. The study included 23 girls (46,9%) and 26 boys (53,1%) aged 2-5, and 34 girls (47,9%) and 37 boys (52,1%) aged 5-10. Participants and their families were informed about the study's content at the beginning of the study. After collecting the patients' demographic information, the food and quantity consumed by the child the day before hospitalization was recorded by asking the attendant. The patient's anthropometric measurements (height, body weight, and mid-upper arm circumference) were also recorded. Data were recorded using the STRONGkids (Screening Tool for Risk of Impaired Nutritional Status and Growth) scale, which is used to assess the risk of malnutrition in hospitalized children. The STAMP (Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics) scale was used to assess the patient's nutritional risk. When we look at the results of our study, we conclude that gender is ineffective in the formation of moderate and high malnutrition, in line with the literature. In conclusion, we observed high rates of malnutrition and stunting in our study. During hospitalization, malnutrition screening tools should be administered by an experienced team to detect malnutrition early and prevent complications.