Journals Information

Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 2(2), pp. 54 - 57
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2014.020203
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Summative Evaluation of a Malnutrition Program for Children in the Dominican Republic


Lauri Wright 1,*, James Epps 2
1 Department of Community and Family Health,University of South Florida,13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd Tampa, FL 33612, USA
2 Department of Mental Health Law & Policy,University of South Florida,13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd,Tampa, FL 33612, USA

ABSTRACT

Due to the prevalence and impact of childhood undernutrition, the objective of the study was to investigate causes of malnutrition and evaluate the effectiveness of a Nutrition-Supplementation Program (NSP) in rural Dominican Republic with and without nutrition counseling. Causes of undernutrition were examined by qualitative interviews conducted with parents. Program effectiveness was measured by comparing children’s pre- and post-percentage goal weight/age. The most prevalent contributors of malnutrition found were food insecurity, disease, poor maternal and child health policies, and lack of knowledge. Children who received only milk and vitamin supplementation did not improve % goal weight/age (MEAN pre=77.3; MEAN post=78.1; t=0.21; p<.83). Children who had both nutrition counseling and supplementation improved markedly (MEAN pre=67.2, MEAN post=78.2; t=3.01; p<.07). Because of the complexity of malnutrition, programs are most successful when multiple interventions including nutritioncounseling are provided.

KEYWORDS
Malnutrition, Children, Evaluation, Counseling

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Lauri Wright , James Epps , "Summative Evaluation of a Malnutrition Program for Children in the Dominican Republic," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 54 - 57, 2014. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2014.020203.

(b). APA Format:
Lauri Wright , James Epps (2014). Summative Evaluation of a Malnutrition Program for Children in the Dominican Republic. Universal Journal of Public Health, 2(2), 54 - 57. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2014.020203.