ASSESSMENT OF NURSES' KNOWLEDGE REGARDING MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS

Abstract

Background: Childhood malnutrition remains a major public health challenge and contributes substantially to morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age. Nurses play a critical role in the early identification, assessment, and management of severe acute malnutrition in pediatric care settings. Adequate knowledge of evidence-based management protocols is therefore essential to ensure timely treatment and improved clinical outcomes. However, deficiencies in knowledge among healthcare providers may limit effective care for malnourished children. Objective: To assess nurses’ knowledge regarding the management of malnutrition in children under five years of age in pediatric care settings. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Settings:  Pediatric wards, nutrition stabilization centers, and child health units of tertiary care healthcare facilities. Duration of Study:  January to June 2025. Methods: A total of 153 nurses and healthcare providers involved in the care of severely malnourished children were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire that included demographic characteristics and knowledge-based items related to the management of severe acute malnutrition. Key domains included identification of complications, treatment of hypoglycemia, feeding practices, monitoring of hypothermia, dehydration management, and electrolyte imbalance. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were applied, and results were presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: Among the 153 participants, most were aged 21–30 years (54.9%), female (91.5%), and held a nursing diploma (55.6%). Regarding initial management priorities, 27.5% identified treatment or prevention of dehydration as the first step, and 27.5% identified treatment of hypoglycemia as the first step, while 24.8% selected correction of electrolyte imbalance. Hypothermia with dehydration and dehydration with hypoglycemia were the most frequently recognized coexisting conditions (28.1% each). Only 28.1% correctly identified the recommended feeding frequency for hypoglycemia management. Correct identification of hypothermia thresholds was reported by 38.6% of participants, and 28.8% reported appropriate temperature monitoring during treatment. In dehydration management, 37.3% selected replacement of stool losses with oral rehydration solution. A majority (81.7%) correctly recognized sodium imbalance as the electrolyte disturbance associated with edema in severely malnourished children. Conclusion: The findings suggest important knowledge gaps among nurses in several critical aspects of severe acute malnutrition management, particularly treatment prioritization, feeding practices, hypothermia monitoring, and dehydration management. Targeted training and continuing professional education may strengthen nurses’ competencies and support improved management of malnourished children in pediatric healthcare settings.