Prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition
Keller, W.; Fillmore, C.M.
World Health Statistics Quarterly. Rapport Trimestriel de Statistiques Sanitaires Mondiales 36(2): 129-167
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0379-8070 PMID: 6422648 Document Number: 399824
The previous survey of world data on the incidence of protein-energy malnutrition was that of Bengoa and Donoso (NAR 45, 4403). The present work uses specified age groups, reference populations and "cut-offs", to allow better comparison between countries. It is intended also to "introduce a process of evaluating progress toward health for all by utilizing nutritional indicators". Data presented are for children under 5 years old, because they are the most liable to the effects of malnutrition. There are 7 tables, a 12-pp. annex giving background data for the children by country, 5 graphs and a bar chart. In almost all countries the incidence of wasting, i.e., low bodyweight-for-height, was highest for children 1 to 2 years old. That suggests a nutritional or health problem that is not the result of a general lack of available food, and on which nutrition education and general health measures might have some impact. Apart from the reference there is a list of 107 sources of data, mostly published, arranged by country.