Is there a way a lay person can identify a malnourished child or person?
on
January 25, 2017 - 06:21
SMS Problem ID: #7uan
Answers: 2
Answers
Faith Okiror
January 25, 2017 - 09:16
The following are some of the clinical signs that can be looked out for. Drastic loss of weight, loss of appetite, the child gets uninterested in his/ her surroundings (lethargy). In situations of acute malnutrition, there will be noticeable body swellings starting from the extremities especially both legs and the swelling slowly spreads to the rest of the body.
It should be noted that communities have varying cultural beliefs regarding the various manifestations of malnutrition. A case is reported of a child in Nalufunye hospital in Jinja district where a child had SAM oedematous which the community perceived as lweyanja (cultural related situation). As such by the time the child was broguht for treatment she had severe dermatitis and wasting after the oedema subsided. It is of absolute inportance to conduct sensitization among local communities to avoid such situations.
(This is adopted from the UFAAS Gender and Nutrition Community of Practise Whatsapp group)
SIYA AGGREY
January 25, 2017 - 10:21
Thanks Faith and Dorcus,
I truely believe sensitization has a great seal to these community challenges.
Answers
The following are some of the clinical signs that can be looked out for. Drastic loss of weight, loss of appetite, the child gets uninterested in his/ her surroundings (lethargy). In situations of acute malnutrition, there will be noticeable body swellings starting from the extremities especially both legs and the swelling slowly spreads to the rest of the body.
It should be noted that communities have varying cultural beliefs regarding the various manifestations of malnutrition. A case is reported of a child in Nalufunye hospital in Jinja district where a child had SAM oedematous which the community perceived as lweyanja (cultural related situation). As such by the time the child was broguht for treatment she had severe dermatitis and wasting after the oedema subsided. It is of absolute inportance to conduct sensitization among local communities to avoid such situations.
(This is adopted from the UFAAS Gender and Nutrition Community of Practise Whatsapp group)
Thanks Faith and Dorcus,
I truely believe sensitization has a great seal to these community challenges.