Understanding the Relationship Between Key Clinical Variables of Childhood Malnutrition and Time-To-Recovery In Guatemala

Abstract

Guatemala has the highest rates of malnutrition in Latin America, and with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Guatemalans experiencing food insecurity doubled. The purpose of the study was to understand malnutrition recovery at a Guatemalan Nutrition Rehabilitation Center in the context of a pandemic. A retrospective record review of children admitted to the center was conducted, examining cases pre-and post- onset of COVID-19 and guided by the Social Ecological Model. There were few significant differences between pre- and post- COVID cohorts and no difference in time-to-recovery. Mean time-to-recovery was 39.57 days among recovered cases (n=149). Weight gain was significantly higher in the post-COVID cohort. Amoxicillin was the only significant predictor variable; with those receiving it being more likely to not recovery in [less-than-or-equal-to]6 weeks. The lack of differences between COVID cohorts was possibly attributed to low admission rates post-COVID. It would be beneficial for the NRC to conduct a family needs assessment, to identify sociocultural factors that may serve as potential barriers to families as they navigate and maintain nutritional recovery. Further research is needed to more fully understand the complexities COVID-19 has had on childhood SAM outcomes.