PP-030 Evaluation on nutrition status in pre-school children

Aim We carried out a study on the nutritional status in the pre-school children admitted, in 2022, in the 2nd Pediatric Clinic of the Emergency County Hospital Craiova. To study the relationship among anthropometric parameters, child-feeding practices and factors which influence growth and development. Material and Method The target population was represented by 125 pre-school children. Inclusion criteria: children aged 3–6 years, with obesity: BMI ≥percentile 95/sex/age, overweight: 85≤BMI<95 percentile/sex/age, normal weight: 5≤BMI<85 percentile/sex/age, underweight: BMI <5 percentile/sex/age. We took into consideration: anthropometric parameters, feeding habits (food intake, meals), environmental factors (family, kindergarten). Results The prevalence of overweight was 24.2%, obesity 3.1%, underweight 4.6%, and normal wight 68.1%. The artificial and mixed feeding was significantly more frequent both in the dystrophics as compared to the eutrophics. Natural feeding prevailed in paratrophic and eutrophic infants; ½ of the premature infants had a mixed feeding. Weight of birth < 2500 g was more frequent in the dystrophic children. Predisposing and determinant factors of underweight were low birth weight, poor socio-economic conditions, incorrect food diversification, poor food intake, both qualitatively and quantitatively. In 64% of the cases, children were born by caesarian section. Sweets consumption (dessert, biscuits, chocolate, sodas, ice cream, and/or candy on a daily basis) constituted 57% of the daily average intake of the obese/overweight children. 76% obese and 43% overweight preschool-aged children consume junk food (burgers, fried chicken, pizza, chips). Conclusions Preschoolers are considered a very important target group, since early, healthy eating habits represent the most efficient method to preserve the state of health in the long run. Overweight and obesity were correlated with the consumption of sweetened beverages and sweets and also with sedentary behavior. Families should be educated to be aware of the impact they have on their children's development and health.