What is malnutrition? Malnutrition means consuming or intake of food regularly which lacks nutrients as proteins, vitamins, iodine etc. It cause several infection in children because of lack of sufficient immunization in body. Infection and malnutrition Infection and malnutrition are corrected in a great manner. …………………. Malnutrition can increase the risk of infection and can lead to malnutrition. This interrelationship and syneyistic effect of malnutrition and infection often lead to a high rate of child death in poorer communities in India. The community active effect of malnutrition and infection product retardation of physical growth leading to stunting or short stature in children. The child at birth weight much lower than a normal child. In view of the poor environmental and lack of hygiene, the children are constantly exposed like diarrhoea and respiratory infections. There is a reduction in food intake by child due to loss of appetite due to these infections. The story of all children is same. The ill-effects of malnutrition and infection on the health of the child get accumulated year by year and the effects are devastating. The result is ultimate growth of a child malnourished adult and unhealthy body. Effect of malnutrition on infection 1. Reduction in antibody production: A child who is normal and fed well is at a lower risk infection. In the case of severe malnutrition such protein based or vitamin A, these is a reduction in antibody production. In malnutrition, the disease fighting capability of an individual is lowered and the child becomes prone to infections. 2. Protective mechanism of skin and mucous membrane in malnourished child is absent. The secretion of mucous membrane may be reduced, it become readily permeable and a favourable environment for the growth of infection agents and child can get infection very easily. 3. PEM and worm infections: During digestion food is ingested, is pushed down the digestive tract with the help of certain type of movements. Always remember that proper movement of the digestive tract is important for normal digestion. In children with malnutrition this mobility of the digestive tract may slow down, because of which, there is more time available for the worms to multiply. Worm infections like round worm disease may become severe or even severity of gastrointestenial infection may take place. A normal body of children must take a balanced dietary intake regularly. I have chosen children between the age of 0-15 years who must include proper intake of food. The recommended dietary intake is given below:- Table Questionnaire for survey Place: ……………….. Name: ………………… State: ……….. Date: ………….. How many children (living) do you have? 1 2 3 More than 3 Age group of children: (No of children in every group) 0-3 year 3-6year 6-9 year 9-12 year 12-15 year Any no. of children who died in the past? 1 2 3 More than 3 Cause of death _________________________ Which food intake are regularly given to the children:- Grain/cereals Pulses Milk Green and leafy vegetables Jaggery/sugar Oil or oilseeds Fruits Roots & tubers Any other Personal data
