Clinico-Epidemiological Profile, Factors Associated with Weight Gain, and Nutritional Outcomes among Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition Admitted to a District Nutritional Rehabilit

Abstract

Background: Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) remains a major contributor to childhood morbidity and mortality in India. Nutritional Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs) provide facility-based management for SAM; however, evidence regarding long-term nutritional outcomes following discharge and follow-up remains limited. Objectives: To describe the clinico-epidemiological profile of children with Severe Acute Malnutrition admitted to a district-level Nutritional Rehabilitation Centre, assess selected associated factors, and evaluate nutritional outcomes following rehabilitation and follow-up. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted among 120 children aged 6–59 months with Severe Acute Malnutrition admitted to a District Nutritional Rehabilitation Centre Nanded District in Maharashtra between May 2024 and April 2026. An information specifically socio-demographic characteristic, maternal factor, feeding practices and environmental conditions were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements, including weight (kg), height/ length (cm), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC in cm) and chest circumference (cm) were recorded at admission, discharge and follow-up visits. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 29.0. Results: The mean age of participants was 29.75±16.42 months, and 60.8% were females. Most children belonged to lower socioeconomic strata (95.8%). Mean weight increased from 7.91±2.11 kg at admission to 9.23±2.22 kg at discharge and continued to improve during follow-up (p<0.001). Mean weight gain velocity was 11.76±4.56 g/kg/day. Maternal education was significantly associated with long-term weight gain (p<0.001), while family size showed a significant negative correlation with weight gain during NRC stay (p=0.008). Conclusion: Nutritional rehabilitation through NRC services resulted in significant improvement in anthropometric outcomes among children with Severe Acute Malnutrition. Strengthening caregiver counselling and community-based follow-up seems to further enhance long-term nutritional recovery.