A manual for the basic assessment of nutrition status in potential crisis situations

1980In crisis situations such as famine or war, protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is generally the most important nutrition problem. Severe PEM, usually seen as marasmus, kwashiorkor, or a combination of the two forms (marasmus-kwashiorkor), affects broad age groups and in crisis situations often progress quite rapidly from these acute forms to death. Other nutrition problems such as stunting, vitamin and mineral deficiencies are of lesser immediate importance when those populations are suffering from PEM. Problems of anemia, night blindness, beriberi, and scurvy should be addressed only after the extent of PEM has been characterized and programs for relief have been undertaken. This manual is intended for use by short-term consultants called upon to assess the nutrition status of population groups who may have been subjected to severe nutrition hardships due to events such as famine, drought or war. The guide is designed to be flexible enough for use in most situations, but quite specific so that the basic epidemiological questions of who? what? and where? can be answered and decisions can be made regarding subsequent surveys, relief efforts, and technical assistance. In this sense this guide is a first-level primer for nutrition status evaluation.Introduction -- Protein energy malnutrition -- Anthropomorphic assessment -- Conducting a nutrition status assessment -- Interpretation of the data -- Annex A. Bibliography -- Annex B. Measuring board and hanging scale -- Annex C. Random number table -- Annex D. Field nutrition assessment form and instruction -- Annex E. Weight for height reference values -- Annex F. A sample surveyPhilip L. Graitcer