Role of Yogurt in Children having Diarrhea and Severe Acute Malnutrition at Nutrition Stabilization Center Hyderabad

Abstract

Aim: The aim of conducting this study is to evaluate the role of yogurt in the dietary management of diarrhea in the severe malnutriated children. Study Design: Observational prospective study. Place and Duration: Nutrition Stabilization Center, Department of Pediatrics Civil Hospital Hyderabad from 1st July 2018 to 31st December 2018. Methodology: A total of 100 children with severe acute malnutrition and Diarrhea, age 6 months to 5 years were enrolled. After admitting children were treated with yogurt instead of fluids, f-75 and ORS. Within 7 days of admission we observed and recorded that children tolerated the breast milk and yogurt, clinically improvement, General condition, Edema, Sunken eyes, Thirst, Skin pinch, Weight gain and Social response of baby. Chi-square test was also applied to observe the difference efficacy of yogurt in diarrhea in children suffering from malnutrition. P-value ≤0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Most of the children were 13 to 48 months of age. The average age and weight of the children was 32.04±13.53 months and 5.23±1.39kg respectively. Average number of stool was significantly reduced at day 1 and day 5. Overall it was observed that efficacy of yogurt in diarrhea in children suffering from malnutrition was 69%. Conclusion: This study suggest that yogurt-based diet is effective in treating diarrhea in severely acute malnourished children. It should be granted priority in the nutritional management of severe malnutriated children affected by diarrhea.