DOI: 10.36347/gamj.2023.v04i02.005

Pages: 64-68

Introduction: Malnutrition is a pathological condition resulting from the relative or absolute deficiency or excess of one or more nutrients. It is a major public health problem in children under five years of age in low-income countries. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of SAM with complications hospitalised in paediatrics. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive study from 1 January to 31 December 2022 that included all records of children aged 6 to 59 months hospitalised during the study period for SAM with complications. Results: During the study period, we identified 2152 cases of SAM with complications, out of 5349 hospitalisations, i.e. a hospital prevalence rate of 40.23%. The marasmic form accounted for 88.9%. The 13-24 month age group was the most represented, at 39%. Males predominated, at 52.62%. The marasmic form was the most common, accounting for 89%. Peak hospitalisation was in August 16%. Diarrhoea was the most frequent reason for consultation (41.50%) and gastroenteritis the most frequent complication (45.70%). We found that 87.7% of patients were treated successfully, 2.4% dropped out and 9.1% died. Conclusion: SAM remains a real problem in Aguié. Raising community awareness and strengthening preventive measures will help to reduce its prevalence and mortality in the district.