| Popis: |
Malnutrition is concerning in children because it effects proper growth and development. Handgrip Strength (HGS) has been identified as a diagnostic indicator for identifying pediatric malnutrition but normal reference ranges have not yet been established; therefore, HGS can be used to identify malnutrition but not quantify the degree of malnutrition: mild, moderate, or severe. The aim of this study was to determine if HGS differed between hospitalized and non-hospitalized children and to describe the association between HGS and several parameters including height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). One hundred nine hospitalized and 110 non-hospitalized pediatric patients ages 6-14 years participated in this cross sectional, nonequivalent control group design study. Nutrition status was evaluated using BMI z scores and MUAC z scores, and HGS was evaluated within 48 hours of hospital admission or at a well-child appointment. According to BMI z scores, 24.8% of hospitalized and 18.3% of non-hospitalized participants were malnourished. Mean HGS of hospitalized participants was not significantly different from non-hospitalized participants (p=.2053). HGS was found to be associated with age, height, dominant hand, and MUAC z scores in all participants. The difference in HGS measurements was not statistically significant between hospitalized and non-hospitalized children using a one-time HGS measurement. Further research examining HGS measurements over time as well as comparing HGS measurements to the degree of malnutrition deficit in pediatrics is needed. |
