Nutritional status of children with neurodevelopmental disorders: A cross-sectional study at the tertiary level hospital in northern Bangladesh

Abstract Background Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) are a significant global public health issue. It was often thought that such children's malnutrition was a sign of illness, but it is now obvious how crucial their nutrition is. Objectives This study's objective was to assess the sociodemographic profile and nutritional status of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods 157 NDD-affected children who attended the pediatric clinics of the TMSS Medical College and Rafatullah Community Hospital in Bogura between December 2020 and April 2022 took part in a cross-sectional study using a purposive sample strategy. Using metrics such z-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and body mass index-for-age percentile, the nutritional condition of children with neurodevelopmental disorders was evaluated (BAZ). Using the SPSS version 25, descriptive statistics (number and percentage) and analytical statistics (chi-square or Fisher's exact test, if appropriate) were both employed. Results A total of 157 children, whose ages ranged from 6 to 144 months, were taken part in this study. Around 58.6% of children with NDDs had malnutrition, 47.8% had under-nutrition, and 10.8% had over-nutrition. There was a significant correlation between malnutrition and parental education level, fathers' employment, residency, and monthly family income (P 0.05). Conclusions More over half of the NDD youngsters were found to be malnourished, according to the research, which offers us a peek of their nutritional health. The socioeconomic position of the parents has a significant impact on the nutritional status of these kids.