Protein-Energy Malnutrition and the Home Environment
Kenya Coast Portal
Section:
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Number of pages:
61
Year of publication:
1987
Print title:
Peters C. & Niemeijer R. (1987). Protein-Energy Malnutrition and the Home Environment: A study among children in Coast Province, Kenya. (Food and Nutrition Studies Programme, Report No.22). Nairobi/Leiden: Ministry of Planning and National Development/African Studies Centre.
For reference purposes, cite the following link:
https://www.ascleiden.nl/kenya-coast/brd/peters-niemeijer/malnutrition-and-home-environment
Summary/abstract:
This study concerns the aetiology of childhood malnutrition in Kilifi District. The socioeconomic characteristics of women with malnourished children who attended Kilifi Family Life Training Centre in the year 1984/1985 were analysed. Next, the possible influence of intra-household factors on the incidence of childhood malnutrition was examined.
A comparison of two groups of ten mother/child pairs, focusing on feeding and weaning patterns, hygiene, parental care and home stimulation, revealed important variations as regards child/caretaker relationships. In households where no malnutrition had occurred, children were fed more regularly and were provided with more types of stimulation. The question remains whether a malnourished child generates a lower level of stimulation on the caretaker's part, or whether lack of stimulation by the caretaker leads to an increased risk of malnutrition.
The present findings indicate not only that a relationship between childhood malnutrition and home stimulation exists, but that it persists beyond the acute episode and subsequent rehabilitation. Consequently, it is recommended that emphasis during rehabilitation should not only be on nutritional requirements and general child care, but also on individual attention and stimulation given to the child.