287347
Influences of feeding practices on nutritional status in children with clefts in representative countries of sub-saharan africa, asia and latin america
Tina D. Cunningham, PhD,
The Center for Health Analytics and Discovery, Eastern Virginia Medical School-Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Joe Flannery, MS, MHA,
Director, Graduate Program in Public Health, Eastern Virginia Medical School/Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Purpose: Oral clefts affect 1 in 500 live births and studies have shown that these children may experience feeding difficulty. The increased challenges of nutrient intake in children with clefts may leave them vulnerable to nutritional problems. Feeding practices may also be a factor in nutrient intake and consequently nutritional status. The purpose of this study is to identify the feeding practices of children with clefts as it relates to their nutritional status. Data: De-identified historical data from 1323 medical records of Operation Smile Surgical Missions between the years 2008-2011 from nine countries will be analyzed. Nutritional status of the children will have been indicated as normal, overweight or underweight. Methods: Feeding practices will be categorized into mode of feeding (spoon and/or cup) and type of nutrient (breast milk or other). Chi-square test will be used to examine association between nutritional status and feeding mode or method. Major Results: This project will identify common feeding practices used in specific countries and how the feeding methods correlate to nutritional status. Implications: The study will look at the relationship between nutritional status and feeding methods to determine if there is a correlation between mode and type of feeding to nutritional status.
Learning Areas:
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Identify common feeding practices used in specific countries specifically for children with clefts and how this relates to their nutritional status (overweight, underweight or normal).
Keyword(s): Nutrition, Children's Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Current MPH student and working as a Research and Outcomes Coordinator for an international organizations, looking into gaining knowledge of current practices and policies to help create awareness as well as look into a inter-country comparison to assist the country apply policies locally and hopefully influence other countries globally
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines,
and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed
in my presentation.
