Abstract: Background: Despite low birth weight (LBW) role on child growth, development, and survival in developing countries, it has not been given the desired priority in terms of research, at the national level in Nigeria. Our study aims to estimate the trend in the prevalence of small size babies and to identify its predictors using nationally representative data.

Methods: We used the 2013 and 2018 data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey using the statistical methods of descriptive analysis and logistic regression modelling.

Results: The proportion of babies reported to have small size at birth in Nigeria declined from 14.9% in 2013 to 13.7% in 2018. Various factors from demographic, socio-economic, and health-seeking behaviour were identified as significant predictors. Women who received iron pills and tetanus toxoids during pregnancy had at most 79% and 80% less risk of having small size babies, respectively, than those who received none of these two. Female children had at least 21% more chance of being small in size than male children. Other key predictors were geopolitical region, maternal age at child birth, maternal literacy level, wealth status, religion, source of water supply, number of ANC visits during pregnancy, and desirousness of pregnancy.

Conclusion: In light of the adverse effects of low birth weight on child well-being, we recommend the implementation and prioritization of active, resourceful public health interventions that account for the findings of this study, if Nigeria is to sustain the progress achieved so far in reducing its current high rate.

Keywords:  Prevalence, Trends, Risks factors, Small size baby, Low birth weight, Nigeria.

Abstract: Background: Malnutrition is a common public health problem among children in low and middle-income developing countries. Orphan's children are vulnerable and neglected groups in society and are more prone to malnutrition. The study aims to identify the prevalence of underweight, stunting, thinness, and factors associated with nutritional status among orphan children.

Methods: Quantitative method & analytical cross-sectional research design were used to assess the nutritional status and its associated factors among orphan children in Pokhara Valley, Nepal. The sample size of 160 children was obtained by a simple random technique. The semi-structured questionnaire, digital bathroom scale, stadiometer was used as the data collection technique. Data management and analysis were done from Epi-info, SPSS 25 version, and WHO Anthro plus.

Findings: The majority of children were malnourished (80.6%) with the prevalence of stunting (55.1%), thinness (13.8%), and overweight (6.9%). Prevalence of underweight, stunting, and thinness was high among the boys (85.5%, 26.3%, and 15.8%), but overweight was more prevalent among the girls (7.1%). Ethnicity, sex, age, stay duration in an orphanage, and education of caregivers was associated with the nutritional status of orphan children (p <0.05). Non-privileged children and children below 11 years were more prone to malnutrition.

Conclusion: Malnutrition is highly prevalent in orphan children and needs to be addressed. There is still limited study available on the nutritional status of orphan children in Nepal. Nutritional status should be monitored regularly for early identification and timely intervention of malnutrition to promote the nutrition health status of orphan children.

Keywords:  Overweight, Stunting, Underweight, Malnutrition, Orphan Children.

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