The assessment of preventive measures in infants admitted with acute diarrhoeal disease to Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7196/Keywords:
Diarrhoea, Breastfeeding, Infants, Nutrition, ImmunisationsAbstract
Background. Diarrhoeal disease is easily preventable and treatable. Despite proven interventions to prevent and treat the condition, it remains one of the leading causes of death in children under the age of 5 years.
Objectives. To assess whether preventive measures of childhood diarrhoea were applied in infants admitted with acute diarrhoea, and to quantify morbidity and mortality in infancy due to acute diarrhoea.
Method. This retrospective descriptive study was conducted at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Information on infants admitted with acute diarrhoeal disease was collected, namely their age in months, gender, length of stay, need for intensive care, the application of preventive measures of childhood diarrhoeal disease, such as breastfeeding, up-to-date immunisations, appropriate complementary feeds and their nutritional status.
Results. A total of 297 infants met the inclusion criteria over the 2-year period. The prevalence of acute diarrhoea was 24.8%. A total of 67% of the infants were not breastfeeding. Of the 67%, 52.2% had stopped breastfeeding before the age of 6 months, while 14.8 % were never breastfed. The average length of stay was 9.7 days. Severe malnutrition was noted in 29.3% of the infants. Of these, 8.42% had severe malnutrition with oedema, while 20.9% had severe malnutrition without oedema. Appropriate complementary feeds were provided to 79.5% of participants, and 61 (20.5%) were not provided with appropriate complementary feeds. Of these 61 infants, 48 were undernourished. Although most infants were discharged home, 4% (n=12) died. Five of the 12 infants (41.7%) who died did not receive the rotavirus vaccine.
Conclusion. Acute diarrhoeal disease in infancy remains an important contributor to morbidity and mortality within this setting. This study suggests the implementation of preventive measures such as exclusive breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeds, immunisations and early identification of undernourished infants to reduce infant mortality.
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