Abstract
A survey was conducted among 221 inner-city school children, 5 to 8 years of age, for the purpose of identifying those who were malnourished. Measurements of height (Ht), mid-arm circumference, triceps fat fold, and hemoglobin were recorded. Mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) was calculated. It was assumed that children with normal measurements of either Ht or MAMC were not likely to have protein-calorie undernutrition. Children with anemia were assumed “at-risk” for iron deficiency. Risk categories were defined: nutritional risk level 1, reduced HGB, Ht and MAMC (N=15); risk level 2, reduced HGB, normal Ht or MAMC (N=63); risk level 3, normal HGB, reduced Ht and MAMC (N=17); risk level zero, normal HGB, normal Ht or MAMC (N=126). These measurements suggest an association between anemia and somatic growth retardation in the population surveyed (0.05< p<0.10).
A treatment protocol was instituted for families of children in each risk category. Investigation in the homes of children in risk level 1 revealed families in need of medical, social and nutritional services. Problem lists were constructed for affected families. A child with an 18 month history of vaginal bleeding was hospitalized. Five families were enrolled in a comprehensive medical care program with a supplemental nutrition component.
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Karp, R., Fairorth, J., Berger, R. et al. AN “AT-RISK” CONCEPT AS APPLIED TO A NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR EARLY SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN IN AN INNER-CITY COMMUNITY. Pediatr Res 11, 378 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00056
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00056
