Efficacy of a Children's Feeding Program and Problems With Nutrition Assessment in a Third-World Setting

Abstract

Tsunami Earthquake American Relief Services (TEARS) International, a US-based nongovernment organization, developed a children's feeding program for South Nias, Indonesia. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of the TEARS feeding program, in which malnourished children ≤5 years of age (N = 83) were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical assays (hemoglobin and urinalysis) were assessed. Weight for age (P < .01), weight for height (P < .01) and body mass index (BMI) for age (P < .001) increased significantly during the program. The prevalence rates of low hemoglobin and ketonuria were significant. The program was efficacious due to increases in anthropometric indicators, but a high incidence of anemia and lack of food availability was evident. Multiple problems with nutrition assessment existed.

Keywords:

• children's feeding program
• anthropometric measurements
• anemia
• ketonuria
• nutrition assessment problems

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgement of editing support: Janelle Walter, PhD, RD, CFCS, Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas.