AB045. Energy intake, diet diversity, and nutritional status of preschool-aged orphans in institutional care: an explanatory sequential study in Metropolitan Manila
Abigail Laurice R. Go
, Tiffany Zaira F. Garonita, Jash Augeane E. Dayapdapan, Maria Fema Aquino
Background: The number of orphans in the Philippines continues to rise due to the impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), natural disasters, teenage pregnancy, lack of education, and poverty. Preschool-aged children already face undernutrition, with increasing cases of underweight, stunting, and wasting. Orphans are especially vulnerable due to the absence of individualized family-based care. However, their nutritional health remains underexplored. This study aims to assess the nutritional status of preschool-aged orphans and the nutritional value of meals served in selected institutional care facilities (ICFs) in Metropolitan Manila, as well as to identify factors influencing these outcomes.
Methods: An explanatory sequential research design was used. Thirty-two children from four ICFs were selected through purposive sampling. Nutritional status was assessed using weight-for-age (WFA) Z-scores. Dietary intake was measured using a 3-day non-consecutive weighted food recall. Total energy intake (TEI) and dietary diversity score (DDS) were utilized to represent the macronutrient and micronutrient content of each food item. Qualitative data were collected from caregiver interviews and analyzed thematically.
Results: Thirty-one percent (n=10) of children were underweight. Despite exceeding the recommended TEI, DDS was below the recommended threshold. Diets were high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs), mainly from donations. DDS revealed low intake of dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and organ meats. No significant relationships were found between TEI, DDS, and WFA. TEI had a weak positive correlation with WFA, while DDS showed no correlation. Thematic analysis highlighted the need for registered nutritionist-dietitians (RNDs), structured meal planning, healthier food donations, and enhanced nutrition education for caregivers.
Conclusions: Preschool-aged orphans in ICFs experience excessive energy intake but inadequate dietary diversity. Interventions should be made to promote balanced diets, assign qualified personnel, and increase caregiver nutrition knowledge.
Keywords: Preschool-aged orphans; dietary diversity; institutional care; nutrition education; nutritional status
Footnote
Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Cite this abstract as: Go ALR, Garonita TZF, Dayapdapan JAE, Aquino MF. AB045. Energy intake, diet diversity, and nutritional status of preschool-aged orphans in institutional care: an explanatory sequential study in Metropolitan Manila. J Public Health Emerg 2026;10:AB045.
