Effects of Malnutrition –A Social Work Perspective

Abstract

Malnutrition is a term used to refer to any condition in which the body does not receive enough nutrients for proper function. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition is the greatest single threat to global public health. The leading causes of death in children under 5 years are pre-term birth complications, pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria and about 45% of all child deaths are linked to malnutrition. The National Family Health Survey carried out in 2005 to 2006 results- child malnutrition rates in India is disproportionately high. Poor nutrition in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life can also lead to stunted growth, which is irreversible and associated with impaired cognitive ability and reduced school and work performance. Some of the major causes for malnutrition in India are Economic inequality, poor sanitation and mother’s lack of proper knowledge in feeding children. The present scenario of globalization in the area of economic growth, health and nutrition indicates that the country is undergoing rapid socioeconomic, demographic, nutritional and health transitions. Unfortunately under-nutrition continues to be persistently high in India and remains a challenge. Some of the major short term adverse effects of malnutrition are recurring illness, weakness, delayed physical and mental development, irritability, poor appetite, low weight for age, etc. and the Long-term adverse effects are stunting or short height for age, poor learning ability, poor performance at school and poor general health. All of which reflect in poor working capacity, resulting in low income. Stunting in girls can have effects on child bearing; resulting in low birth weight babies. The aim of the study is to explain the effects of malnutrition through secondary sources. The role of social worker to combat the malnutrition will be described in detail in full length paper.

Keywords: Nutrition, effects, health, child, Malnutrition