EFFECT OF PSYCHOSOCIAL STIMULATION ON TREATMENT OUTCOME OF SEVERE ACUTE MALNOURISHED CHILDREN

Abstract

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a major public health challenge affecting children under five years of age, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with serious consequences for growth, cognitive development, and survival. This quasi-experimental study assessed the effect of psychosocial stimulation on developmental milestones and growth outcomes among 80 children aged 6–59 months with SAM admitted to the stabilization Centre at the University of Child Health Sciences, Lahore. Children in the intervention group received structured psychosocial stimulation activities, including play-based motor, cognitive, language, socialization, and self-help exercises during inpatient and follow-up phases, alongside nutritional rehabilitation. Developmental progress was assessed using the Portage Guide to Early Education, while growth outcomes were evaluated through Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) and nutritional Z-scores. Results demonstrated significant improvements in self-help, motor, cognitive, language, and socialization domains in the intervention group compared to controls after six months (p<0.05). MUAC also improved significantly in the intervention group, while nutritional Z-scores showed a near-significant positive trend. The findings support the integration of psychosocial stimulation into standard SAM management protocols to promote holistic recovery and developmental improvement. Incorporating caregiver involvement, structured play, and developmental support into nutritional rehabilitation programs may substantially improve long-term outcomes for malnourished children in resource-limited settings.