Growth and Malnutrition Assessment of Neonates Admitted to a Government Hospital in Nakuru, Kenya

Background and Aims: Inadequate nutrient provision causes neonatal growth failure malnutrition. Therefore, this study aimed to 1) quantify infant velocity from birth hospital discharge, 2) determine the incidence of malnutrition at time discharge a government newborn unit in Nakuru, Kenya. Methods: After ethical approval, data was collected for infants (n=104) hospitalized >14 days (June 2016 - December 2018) including: gestational age (GA), weight (grams, g) with z-scores (2013 Fenton Preterm or 2006 World Health Organization 0-2 Year chart), length stay (LOS) days. Growth during hospitalization calculated g/day [(discharge – weight)/LOS] g/kilogram(kg)/day [1000xln(birth weight/discharge weight)/LOS). Malnutrition diagnosed by z-score change (decline): mild = 0.8-1.2 standard deviations (SD), moderate >1.2-2.0 SD, severe >2.0 SD. P-value <0.05 significant. Results: 94/104 (90.4%) were preterm median GA 32 weeks, 1500 g (z-score -0.33), LOS 21 1735 -1.95). Median gain 8.2 5.2 g/kg/day -1.34 Linear regression predicted each day decreased -0.031 (p<0.001). At 81.7% met criteria—27.1% mild, 49.4% moderate, 23.5% severe. Conclusions: Infants Kenya, experience rates below recommended velocities (23-34 grams/day 0-4 months). Nutrition intervention is necessary support appropriate growth.