This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fetal malnutrition (FM) among term singleton newborns at birth using clinical assessment of nutritional status (CAN) score. The study also compared the CAN score with selected anthropometric indices to describe their ability to identify FM. Furthermore, it sought to identify maternal and neonatal factors linked with FM among term infants delivered in four public hospitals in South Ethiopia.

Cross-sectional study.

The study was conducted at four public hospitals in South Ethiopia Regional State.

480 live-born full-term babies and their mothers delivered at four public hospitals between 6 June 2021 and 19 April 2022.

FM status at birth was the outcome variable. FM was assessed using both the CAN score and selected anthropometric indices. At birth, measurements of height, weight, head circumference (HC) and mid-arm circumference (MAC) were taken. The MAC/HC ratio, body mass index (BMI) and ponderal index (PI) were computed and contrasted with reference curves. By examining and calculating subcutaneous tissue and muscle loss, the CAN score was used to determine the newborn’s CAN status. A CAN score of

This study of 480 newborns found varying rates of FM depending on the diagnostic criteria used. The prevalence of FM was highest when assessed by CAN score (26.04%), followed by PI (17.29%), BMI (16.25%), MAC/HC ratio (13.54%) and birth size-for-gestational-age (11.25%). Not attending formal education (AOR 3.31 95% CI 1.14 to 9.64), age between 25–29 years (AOR 2.66 95% CI 1.19 to 5.98), primi-parity (AOR 9.63 95% CI 1.42 to 65.46), having

FM was prevalent among term neonates, with the CAN score showing higher prevalence than anthropometric indices. Education level of the mother, primi-parity, fewer ANC visits, maternal age between 25–29 years and PIH were significant risk factors. FM might be most effectively recognised using the CAN score, which can be done without advanced tools.

To establish consensus definitions for non-visually impairing eye conditions (NVICs) and their methods of assessments to provide standards for use in population-based eye surveys.

A literature review of NVICs in sub-Saharan Africa, a questionnaire of inquiry based on the literature review developed by an expert panel and a modified Delphi exercise with three iterative rounds with eye health experts.

Eye health academia and community eye health in Nigeria.

Nigerian ophthalmologists, including subspecialists experienced in population-based eye health surveys.

Definitions and statements where at least 70% of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed.

Forty-two ophthalmologists practising in Nigeria with experience in conducting population-based eye health surveys were invited to take part in the Delphi exercise. There were three rounds with response rates of 39/42 (92.9%) in round 1, (94.9%) in round 2 and 100% in round 3. Consensus for NVICs to be included in population-based eye surveys, their definitions and methods for assessment was reached by the third round.

We propose case definitions for NVICs to be assessed in population-based eye surveys through a modified Delphi approach with an expert panel of ophthalmologists from across Nigeria. These case definitions will allow for standardisation of NVICs in population-based eye surveys to assess the prevalence and magnitude of the different types of NVICs for planning purposes. Further studies are needed to validate these case definitions and inform their evolution.