Short Questions for Lecture in Community Nutrition

Dr. min kyaw htet (kyawhtet@gmail.com) by 28th February 2015

Sela Arini Putri 030.09.2291. Nutrition is important for all stages of life cycle. Please mention briefly about the importance of low birth weight.

Low birth weight (less than 2,500 grams) is the single most important factor affecting neonatal mortality and a significant determinant of post-neonatal mortality.

Low birth weight infants who survive are at increased risk for health problems ranging from neurodevelopmental disabilities to respiratory disorders.

2. What is stunting? What is the right instrument to measure the length of under 2 year old children? Briefly explain the consequences of stunting.

Stunting is gaining insufficient height relative to age which implies long-term (chronic) malnutrition and poor health.

The instrument to measure the length under 2 y.o children is infantometer.

The consequences of stunting are diminished cognitive and physical development, reduced productive capacity and poor health. Stunted children also have an increased risk of becoming overweight or obese later in life.

3. What is the right time to introduce the complementary feeding to the infant? Please explain briefly about nutrient gap and energy gap.

-The best time to introduce the complementary feeding to the infant is during the age of 6 months. With exclusive breast milk, energy gap will starts to occur at the age of 6 months and the gap will increase with age. That is why complementary feeding needs to be introduced at the age of 6 months. As for nutrition gap, the largest gaps that need to be filled by complementary foods are iron followed by energy, protein and vitamin A. 4. What biochemical indicators will you measure to know the iron status of pregnant mother?

- Haemoglobin, Hematocrite, MCV, MCH, MCHC, Ferritin, TI, TIBC

5. Why do you think it is necessary to conduct dietary survey in the community? Please mention your opinion?

-To learn more about what your group or community needs are. A good survey can supplement your own sharp-eyed observations and experiences. It can give you detailed information from a larger and more representative group of people than you could get from observation alone.

To get a more honest and objective description of needs than people might tell you publicly.

To become aware of possible needs that you never saw as particularly important or that you never even knew existed.

To document your needs, as is required in many applications for funding, and as is almost always helpful in advocating or lobbying for your cause.

To make sure any actions you eventually take or join in are in line with needs that are expressed by the community.