Using Machine Learning to Fight Child Acute Malnutrition and Predict Weight Gain During Outpatient Treatment with a Simplified Combined Protocol.

Journal: Nutrients
PMID:

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Child acute malnutrition is a global public health problem, affecting 45 million children under 5 years of age. The World Health Organization recommends monitoring weight gain weekly as an indicator of the correct treatment. However, simplified protocols that do not record the weight and base diagnosis and follow-up in arm circumference at discharge are being tested in emergency settings. The present study aims to use machine learning techniques to predict weight gain based on the socio-economic characteristics at admission for the children treated under a simplified protocol in the Diffa region of Niger.

Authors

  • Luis Javier Sánchez-Martínez
    Unit of Physical Anthropology, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
  • Pilar Charle-Cuéllar
    Action Against Hunger, 28002 Madrid, Spain.
  • Abdoul Aziz Gado
    Action Against Hunger, Niamey 11491, Niger.
  • Nassirou Ousmane
    Nutrition Direction, Ministry of Health, Niamey BP 623, Niger.
  • Candela Lucia Hernández
    Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University. 28040 Madrid, Spain.
  • Noemí López-Ejeda
    Unit of Physical Anthropology, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.