Refeeding Practices of Malnourished Children

Author

Marcianne Wittwer, Utah State UniversityFollow

Date of Award

5-2006

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Departmental Honors

Department

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences

Abstract

Over 200 million children in developing countries under the age of five are malnourished. Malnutrition contributes to more than half of the nearly 12 million under-five deaths in developing countries each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines malnutrition as "the cellular imbalance between the supply of nutrients and energy and the body's demand for them to ensure growth, maintenance, and specific functions." Because of the high demand for energy and essential nutrients, infants and children are at a particular risk for under-nutrition. Malnutrition is a condition that needs to be taken seriously and with proper treatment can save the lives of many children. The management and treatment is usually divided into the following three phases: initial treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up. During the initial treatment life threatening problems are identified and treated, specific deficiencies are corrected, metabolic abnormalities are reversed, and feeding is begun. During the rehabilitation phase of treatment, intensive feeding is given to recover most of the lost weight, emotional and physical stimulation are increased, the mother or caregiver is trained to continue care at home. and preparations arc made for discharge. The follow-up phase is after discharge and is where the child and its family are followed to prevent relapse and assure the continued development of the child. Malnutrition for the most part is a silent and invisible emergency. People need to be aware of such cases and get these children the help that they need.

Recommended Citation

Wittwer, Marcianne, "Refeeding Practices of Malnourished Children" (2006). Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects. 749.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/honors/749