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Effects Of Malnutrition Among Children
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INTRODUCTION
Malnutrition is estimated to contribute to more than one
third of all child deaths, although it is rarely listed as the direct
cause. Childhood malnutrition is a serious challenge in Sub-Saharan
Africa and a major underlying cause of death. It is a result of dynamic
and complex interaction between political, social, economic,
environmental and other factors. Malnutri-tion is a major contributor to
mortality and is increasingly recognized as a cause of potential-ly
lifelong functional disability. Malnutrition is well recognized as a
widespread health prob-lem with consequences that are acute and even,
more often long-term problems. Malnutri-tion remains a problem of public
health concern in most developing countries (Kennedy, Ped-ro, Seghieri,
Nantel & Brouwer 2007). Containing less or no animal products, and
slight amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, diets are deficient in
micronutrients and of poor qual-ity.
In a global context,
approximately 45% of the 6.6 million deaths of children under-five year
of age in 2012 are caused by undernutrition (UNICEF, 2012).
Geographically, the majority of the undernutrition burden exists in
Sub-Saharan Africa and South-Central Asia (Bhutta and Salam 2012).
Malnutrition has three commonly used comprehensive types named stunting,
wasting and underweight: measured by height for age, weight for height
and weight for age indexes respectively. Adequate nutrition continues to
play an important role during the school age years in assuring that
children reach their full potential for growth, development and health.
Nutrition problems can still occur during this age, such as
iron-deficiency anemia, under nu-trition such as Kwashiorkor, marasmus,
overnutrition and dental caries. The prevalence of obesity is increasing
but the beginning of eating disorders can also be detected in some
school age and preadolescent children.
In addition, adequate
nutrition prevents the onset of health-related problems, encouraging a
healthy eating pattern can help prevent immediate health concerns as
well as promote a healthy lifestyle, which in turn may reduce the risk
of the child developing a chronic condi-tion such as obesity, type 2
diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life (Story, Holts &
Sofka 2000). Adequate nutrition, especially eating breakfast has been
associated with im-proved academic performance in school and reduced
tardiness and absence (Meyer, Sampson, Weitzman, Rogers & Kayne
1989). Consequently, this meets the energy and nutrient needs of the
children, addressing common nutrition problems, and preventing
nutrition-related disor-ders.
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ABSRACT - [ Total Page(s): 1 ]The purpose of this thesis is to verify and describe the effects of malnutrition among children in Sub Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. The research question was; what are the effects of malnutrition among children in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia?The aim of this study was to find out and describe why developing countries are associated with malnutrition complications and the impact is having in the health and lives of children. Although rare in developed countries, malnutrition in child ... Continue reading---
