Introduction: Pneumonia remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five in many low- and middle-income countries. Maternal knowledge and practices play a crucial role in early detection and management. Objective: This study aimed to enhance evidence-based practices for pneumonia prevention in children. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 mothers of children under five receiving pneumonia treatment at the National Children’s Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam. Data were collected through a str...uctured interview questionnaire. Results: 83% of mothers demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of pneumonia’s clinical definition; 90.7% correctly identified its primary causes; 82.7% recognized cough as a key symptom, and 87.7% understood potential complications; 98% reported appropriate responses to early pneumonia signs, with 93% adhering to correct symptomatic management. However, knowledge gaps persisted: only 71.7% identified pneumonia risk factors, 48.7% recognized chest indrawing as a critical symptom, and 50% understood supportive measures for cough management. Conclusion: While the study highlights strengths in maternal knowledge and clinical practices, critical gaps remain, particularly in symptom recognition and risk factor awareness. Strengthening maternal education, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, and improving pediatric healthcare access may reduce pneumonia-related morbidity and mortality.Read more

Background: Zinc deficiency has been identified as a contributing factor to poor appetite, impaired immune function, and various gastrointestinal disturbances in young children. Objective: To assess the effect of zinc supplementation on vomiting status in anorexic children. Methods: A randomized, controlled, single-blinded clinical trial. Fifty vomiting anorexic children (3–36 months old) without infection and gastro-intestinal outlet obstructions were selected on admission to the nutrition recovery center: 25 (supplemented, S g...roup) received 10mg/child daily of elemental zinc supplementation as gluconate with iron and vitamins of supplemental dosage, and 25 (non-supplemented, NS group) received a similar one but without zinc for 90 days. All children were also observed during a 90-day post-supplementation period, one child of the S group and four children of the NS group dropped out. On days 7, 10, and 15 the vomiting status was assessed. On days 0 and 30, the levels of energy intake and weight gain were measured. On days 0 and 90, serum zinc levels were also measured. Results: On days 7, 10, and 15, the healed proportions of the vomiting children were significantly higher (83.3% vs. 0.0%; 87.5% vs. 4.8% and 95.5% vs. 19%) in the S group than that in the NS group (p < 0.001 for each). On day 30, the levels of energy intake (108 ± 20 vs. 82 ± 16 Kcal/kg/day) and weight gain (414  120 vs. 248 ± 102 g/child/mo) were significantly higher in the S group than in the NS group (p < 0.001 for each). Serum zinc levels (µg/dl) were significantly higher (76.8 ± 8.4 vs. 71.2 ± 6.3, p < 0.05) in the S group than in the NS group on day 90. Conclusion: This study supports the role of zinc in protracted vomiting not due to gastro-intestinal outlet obstructions in anorexic children, while pointing out the need for large studies.Read more