P257 - NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND DIETARY PATTERNS OF NON-SCHOOLING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN BATTICALOA DISTRICT, SRI LANKA

P257

NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND DIETARY PATTERNS OF NON-SCHOOLING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN BATTICALOA DISTRICT, SRI LANKA

T. D. Wickramasekara^1,*, N. Peries², A. Perera³, R. Madurika⁴, P. Deshan², N. Kadupitiya²

¹Nutrition, Medical Research Institute, ²Medical Education, University of Moratuwa, ³Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, ⁴Neonatal ICU, De Soyza Hospital for Women, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Rationale: Malnutrition is a concern among disabled children, especially in low and middle-income countries. The nutritional status of these children may be influenced by dietary patterns and factors related to the disability itself. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status and dietary patterns of 138 non-schooling children with disabilities aged between 2-16 years in Batticaloa district.

Methods: Nutritional assessment included height, weight, Body Mass Index for age, and mid-upper arm circumference. Dietary patterns were assessed with a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Nutritional status was interpreted by Sri Lankan Child Health Development Record charts, developed based on World Health Organization growth standards.

Results: There were 38 children with cerebral palsy, 30 with Trisomy 21, 3 with neuromuscular degenerative disorders, 48 with global developmental delay without a precise diagnosis and 19 with other disabilities. Among them, 43.58% (51) were malnourished. Of 27 children under 5 years, 3 had moderate acute malnutrition and 3 had severe acute malnutrition. Of children aged over 5 years whose height could be measured, 31.11% were underweight and 18.89% were overweightand obese. 91% of children were given rice as the staple food at least 2-3 times per day. 15% of children were not consuming at least one vegetable, 25% were not consuming a protein source and 40% were not given fruits, but 44% of children were given high sugary foods at least once per day.

Conclusion: A majority of children were malnourished, and the main energy source was rice. Protein, vegetable and fruit consumption is not adequate. Dietary patterns should be improved after further evaluating the reasons behind current practices. Not having a standardized criterion to assess the nutritional status of children with disabilities in Sri Lanka is a limitation.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared