Assessment of the Nutritional Status of the Community

Abstract

This monograph delineates the magnitude and geographic distribution of malnutrition as a public health problem. The ecological factors contributing to malnutrition are explained and analyzed and corrective measures e.g. sanitary water are suggested. Standardized methods for identifying diagnosing treating and evaluating various forms of malnutrition throughout the world are presented. Clinical biochemical anthropometric and dietary procedures are given which can be used in difficult circumstances in less developed tropical countries. It is written for use by field workers medical officers nutritionists and public health nurses. Specifically treated are problems of malnutrition which cause illness and death due to undernutrition specific deficiency and imbalance. Information is intended to be practical and simple: maximum useful information minimum staff inexpensive equipment and uncomplicated techniques. Special problems in different age groups are also presented e.g. pregnant and lactating women.