Nutritional Deficiencies in Pediatric Patients: Prevalence and Association in Health Outcomes

Background: Nutritional deficiencies are a major concern in pediatric populations, especially in low-and middle-income countries, where poor dietary diversity and healthcare access lead to adverse health outcomes.Understanding the prevalence and clinical implications of these deficiencies is crucial for improving child health.This study assessed the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies in pediatric patients and evaluated their associations with health outcomes. Methods:This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to June 2022.100 pediatric patients aged 6 months to 5 years were included.Data on demographics, breastfeeding practices, dietary diversity, and anthropometric indices were collected through structured interviews and clinical assessments.Laboratory evaluations identified common nutritional deficiencies.Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 25.0.Results: Vitamin D deficiency was most prevalent (41%), followed by iron deficiency anemia (37%), multiple micronutrient deficiencies (31%), and zinc deficiency (26%).There were 28% of children who were stunted, and 24% were underweight.Nutritional deficiencies were significantly associated with recurrent respiratory infections (53.3% vs. 26.3%,p=0.008), delayed developmental milestones (35.0% vs. 10.5%, p=0.007), and recent hospitalization (38.3% vs. 18.4%, p=0.03).Poor school performance was more frequent in nutritionally deficient children, though not statistically significant (20.0% vs. 7.9%, p=0.10). Conclusion:Nutritional deficiencies are common in pediatric patients and significantly impact morbidity and developmental outcomes.Early identification and targeted interventions are essential for improving pediatric health and mitigating long-term consequences.