Some Indicators for a Broad Assessment of the Magnitude of Protein-Calorie Malnutrition in Young Children in Population Groups

Abstract

Protein-calorie malnutrition in preschool children is probably the most common and important nutritional problem in the world today. To assess the effect of both planned would-be ameliorative public health measures and also such unplanned socioeconomic and cultural changes as are occurring everywhere, it is necessary to measure the dimensions of this problem on a broad public health basis. The present paper outlines certain steps in this direction and suggests possible simple potentially useful indicators derived from the following sources: (1) vital statistics, (2) anthropometric measurements, (3) clinical signs, (4) food consumption and (5) laboratory tests. Advantages and limitations are discussed. Probably a combination based on data from all these sources would be most valuable. The need for further investigation is stressed.