Mixed-methods approach shows delayed cognitive milestones in malnourished children, highlighting urgent intervention needs.
Malnutrition during early childhood is a significant public health issue in Somalia, affecting over half of children under five years old. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including a cross-sectional survey with over 500 participants aged between six months and five years, supplemented by qualitative interviews to capture nuanced experiences. Data analysis revealed that nearly two-thirds of children suffering from moderate to severe malnutrition exhibited delayed cognitive milestones compared to their well-nourished peers. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted nutrition programmes and early intervention services in Somalia to mitigate the adverse effects of malnutrition on cognitive development. Immediate implementation of nutrition supplementation initiatives, combined with psychosocial support for caregivers, is recommended to address this critical public health issue.
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Hassen et al. (2009) studied this question.
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