Quality Evaluation of the Diet of Children in the Pediatric Unit of a Zone Hospital in Southern Benin

Abstract

Introduction: Diet quality, as a major determinant of the nutritional and health status of people, is of paramount importance, particularly to children. This study aims to assess the quality of the diet of children aged two to five years, hospitalized in the pediatric department of the Ouidah- Kpomassè -Tori - Bossito zone hospital located in the south of Benin. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study involving 52 children aged two to five years, hospitalized in the aforementioned pediatric department, prospectively selected over a period of one month. The subjects were selected using a non-probability sampling method and a convenience technique. The children who had stayed at least 24 hours in the hospital, were no longer breastfed, and did not require oxygen therapy on the day of the survey were included in the study. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2010). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with diet quality. Results: The results of this study reveal that 63.46% of children had poor diet quality, while only 3.85% had a quality diet. The mean HEI score was 49.28±1.74, indicating a low overall level. Statistical analyses revealed a significant association between diet quality and father's occupation (farmer, β=-12.90; p=0.02) as well as with the presence of diarrhea (not having had diarrhea, β= 9.9; p=0.04). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of implementing targeted interventions in nutrition education and improving the socioeconomic conditions of households, particularly in terms of income. Such actions would not only improve the quality of the diet of young hospitalized children but also reduce the length of their hospital stay.