Developing a model for prevention of malnutrition among children under 5 years old
Mohammad Mohseni1, Aidin Aryankhesal2,3
1School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
This study developed a model to prevent malnutrition in children under 5 years old in Iran. It identified key factors and proposed 118 solutions based on expert consensus and a Delphi method.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
- Health Policy
Background:
- Child malnutrition poses serious risks, increasing infectious diseases and mortality.
- Effective interventions are crucial for eradicating malnutrition in children under 5 years old (CU5).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a comprehensive model for preventing malnutrition in Iranian CU5.
- To address the multifaceted causes of child malnutrition through evidence-based strategies.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach was employed in 2017.
- A prevention model was developed through expert consultation.
- The Delphi method was utilized to establish the model's validity.
Main Results:
- The model encompasses four dimensions: basic causes, interventions, outcomes, and impact.
- Interventions are categorized into twelve areas, including structural, economic, health, and educational aspects.
- A total of 118 solutions were selected for the final prevention model, tailored to Iran's context.
Conclusions:
- Addressing the root causes of malnutrition and involving key stakeholders are essential for effective policy.
- Inappropriate consumerism and family habits significantly contribute to childhood nutritional problems.
Background:
Serious consequences leading to the increase of infectious diseases and mortality of children justifies the importance of interventions for eradication of malnutrition. Thus, this study aimed to provide a model for the prevention of malnutrition among children under 5 years old (CU5) in Iran.
Methods:
This paper is part of a bigger study, conducted in 2017 using a mixed methods approach. A model for prevention of malnutrition in CU5 was proposed based on the earlier steps, with the cooperation and consultation of experts and specialists. In the final step, a Delphi method was used to determine the validity of the proposed model.
Results:
The main dimensions of the prevention model of malnutrition for CU5 in Iran included four level: basic causes, interventions, outcomes and impact. The proposed interventions are presented based on twelve areas: structural, intersectoral, political, economic, sanitary, health-oriented, research, educational/cultural, evaluation related, production, infrastructures and legal. Based on these areas, 118 solutions were finally selected for the final model. This model is designed based on the current conditions in different regions of Iran, the factors related to child malnutrition, affective context on policy making, the content of previous policies, the process of policy making in Iran, and key stakeholders and actors in policy making.
Conclusion:
In order to prevent malnutrition, the causing factors should be identified and resolved. The adopted policies should be, more seriously, based on the presence of key stakeholders and actors. Most of the existing nutritional problems among children are because of inappropriate consumerism culture and habits in families and its transfer to children.
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