Risk Stratification and Care Plan for Intervention Based on Indian Academy of Paediatrics Malnutrition Proactive Assessment

Abstract

Background:Malnutrition continues to be a major public health concern in India, significantly contributing to childhood
morbidity, impaired physical and cognitive development, and increased mortality. Despite ongoing national nutrition
programs, early identification of at-risk children remains a challenge. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) has
recommended proactive assessment strategies that emphasize early screening, systematic risk stratification, and timely
intervention to address this burden effectively.
Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of IAP-based malnutrition risk stratification in identifying atrisk
children and to assess its role in guiding appropriate intervention planning in a clinical setting.
Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted involving 250 pediatric patients assessed for nutritional
status. Data were collected from hospital records, including demographic characteristics, nutritional risk categories (low,
moderate, high), and intervention requirements. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and chisquare
tests to determine associations between variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:Out of the 250 children included in the study, 40% were categorized as low risk, 35% as moderate risk, and 25%
as high risk for malnutrition. Overall, 60% of the children required some form of nutritional or medical intervention. A
statistically significant association was observed between risk category and intervention requirement (p = 0.03), with
higher-risk groups demonstrating a greater need for intervention. These findings indicate that the IAP stratification model
effectively differentiates children based on clinical need.
Conclusion:The IAP proactive malnutrition assessment model is an effective tool for early risk identification and
structured intervention planning. Its implementation in routine pediatric practice can facilitate timely management,
prevent progression to severe malnutrition, and improve overall child health outcomes.