Severe Malnutrition: A Global Approach.

This report examines the immediate and underlying causes of malnutrition in the developing world. The first section discusses the effects of malnutrition on childhood development and examines the efficacy of nutritional rehabilitation. The second section addresses the medical effects of severe malnutrition, including the onset of ponderostatural (weight) retardation, behavioral disorders, dehydration, anemia, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and diarrhea. The third section focuses on anthropometric approaches to treating malnourished children, which treat children on an individual basis based upon their particular condition. The fourth section examines the biological effects of severe malnutrition, discussing deficiencies in serum proteins, electrolytes, trace elements, and hormonal levels, along with their immunological consequences. The fifth section explains the nutritional approach to the problem, looking at protein, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies and specific rehabilitation procedures and foods. The sixth section focuses on a cultural approach to malnutrition, discussing dietary and social customs that affect nutrition and eating behaviors. The seventh section examines psychological approaches, looking at the mother-child relationship, psychological problems fostered by malnutrition, and specific interventions. The eighth section addresses social and economic approaches to malnutrition, while the ninth section examines techniques used to evaluate rehabilitation and treatment programs. (MDM)