Keywords
Malnutrition
Nepal
STRONGkids
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: Malnutrition is a common but often under-recognized problem among hospitalized children, associated
with adverse clinical outcomes and prolonged hospital stays. Early identification of nutritional risk using validated
screening tools is essential for timely intervention.
Objectives: To determine the nutritional risk status of hospitalized children in Nepal using the STRONGkids tool and to
correlate risk scores with anthropometric status and length of hospital stay.
Methodology: A prospective hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2024 to March 2025 among
211 children aged ≥ one month to 16 years admitted to pediatric and pediatric surgery wards at Kathmandu Medical
College. Nutritional risk was assessed using the STRONGkids tool within 24 hours of admission, and anthropometric
evaluation was performed using WHO growth standards.
Results: Among the study population, 16 (7.6%) children were at high risk, 89 (42.2%) at moderate risk, and 106 (50.2%)
at low risk of malnutrition. Anthropometric assessment showed 27 (12.8%) were stunted, 24 (11.4%) wasted, 23 (10.9%)
underweight. A significantly positive correlation was found between STRONGkids score and hospital stay (Pearson’s r =
0.181, p value = 0.008).
Conclusion: The STRONGkids tool is effective in detecting both acute and chronic nutritional risks in hospitalized
Nepalese children. Routine use of this tool may enable early identification and timely intervention, potentially reducing
the burden of malnutrition in hospitalized children.
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