The The relationship between a history of acute infectious diseases and nutritional status based on weight-for-age among children under five
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56922/mchc.v5i5.3913
Acute Infectious Diseases Children Under Five Nutritional Status Weight-For-Age
Abstract
Background: Acute infectious diseases, particularly acute respiratory infections (ARI) and diarrhea, are common health problems among children under five and may adversely affect nutritional status. Infection may reduce appetite, impair nutrient absorption, and increase metabolic demands, thereby contributing to undernutrition.
Purpose: This study aimed to determine the association between a history of acute infectious diseases and nutritional status based on weight-for-age among children under five.
Method: This quantitative study employed an observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. Secondary data were obtained from medical records of children aged 12–59 months treated at Dr. H. Abdul Moeloek Regional Hospital in 2025. A total of 177 children were selected using purposive sampling according to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Nutritional status was assessed using weight-for-age z-scores based on the Indonesian Pediatric Association classification. The association between a history of acute infectious disease and nutritional status was analyzed using the Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact test with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results: Among the 177 children, 120 (67.8%) had normal nutritional status, 45 (25.4%) were undernourished, and 12 (6.8%) were categorized as overnourished or at risk of overnutrition. ARI was recorded in 130 children (73.4%), while diarrhea was recorded in 47 children (26.6%). Undernutrition was more common among children with a history of diarrhea (46.8%) than among those with a history of ARI (17.7%). The Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact test demonstrated a statistically significant association between a history of acute infectious disease and nutritional status (p = 0.002).
Conclusion: A history of acute infectious disease was significantly associated with nutritional status based on weight-for-age among children under five. Children with a history of diarrhea had a higher proportion of undernutrition than those with a history of ARI.
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