Childhood Malnutrition remains a Public Health

Problem in Barangay Benigwayan

Malnutrition is one of several social inequalities that affect people all around the

world and especially here in our Barangay Benigwayan, regardless of their

socioeconomic situation. Malnutrition is a worldwide problem that manifests itself in

a variety of ways. One or more varieties of malnutrition have been documented in a

given country and/or among a specific community.

From infancy to old age, it affects the vast majority of the world's population. Over

600 billion obese persons and 462 million underweight adults live on this planet.

Simultaneously, 42 million children under the age of five are overweight or obese,

and 156 million are stunted as a result of poor nutrition, frequent infections, and a

lack of psychological stimulation (Ma, Woon & Lee 2022).

Malnutrition is caused by a combination of causes, including poor eating habits and

insufficient nutrient intake. Malnutrition affects one-third of the world's population

especially here in Barangay Benigwayan. Proper eating healthy foods is the most

important key to have a healthy lifestyle in every human life.

This is due to low socioeconomic status here in our Barangay, which makes it difficult

to afford nutritious food and higher health-care costs. Poverty has been blamed as

the primary cause of malnutrition, but poor nutrition may worsen poverty's

influence and trap individuals in society in the cycle of poverty. Furthermore, social

variables such as job circumstances and healthcare access can worsen hunger and

raise the malnutrition rate.

Understanding how social determinants of health may be used to minimize social

inequality in malnutrition and the risk of stunting, vitamin deficiency, and

malnourishment, especially in vulnerable populations like children with a high

poverty index, is a crucial first step.

As a result, the former issues can lead to health and nutrition scarcity in a variety of

populations here in our locality, but they can also lead to eating plan

noncommunicable diseases, especially for developing community, where lack of

income and poor hygiene habits worsen the problem. Malnutrition remains one of

the world's most serious health problems. Malnutrition poses the greatest threat to

several vulnerable population groups, such as newborns, children, and the elderly.

This chapter will discuss the related literature including the causes and effects of

malnutrition and also who is at risk of the said study.

Causes of malnutrition

A shortage of nutrients causes malnutrition (undernutrition), which can be caused by

a poor diet or issues absorbing nutrients from food.

Health conditions

According to NHS, depression or schizophrenia are examples of mental health

conditions that can affect your mood and aappetite. Crohn's disease and ulcerative

colitis are two conditions that affect your ability to digest food and absorb

nnutrients. Dementia can lead to a person neglecting their health and forgetting to

eat. You may become malnourished if your body requires more energy, such as after

recovering from surgery or a significant injury like a burn, or if you have involuntary

movements like tremors.

Lack of food

Food insecurity is widespread among low-income people and others who are

homeless (Dr. Mandal, 2019). Here in our Barangay there are people who donot

have any permanent job to support their daily needs they're just seeking a job that

available in neighbor. Sometimes they cannot find a work that's why they cannot eat

in a day, no work means no eat.

Others

Those with a limited understanding of nutrition are more likely to choose an

unhealthy diet deficient in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, putting them at risk of

famine. The major cause of malnutrition among children is a lack of parental

understanding about proper eating.

Premature babies, as well as infants who are weaning, are at a higher risk of

malnutrition. Malnutrition is a threat to neglected children, orphans, and those in

care homes (Dr. Mandal, 2019).

Effects of malnutrition

Malnutrition happens in stages, according to Parks (Livestrong.com). The nutritional

imbalance initially manifests itself in blood and tissue, then in metabolic processes,

and last in telltale indications and symptoms. Changes in body mass, poor wound

healing, extreme weight loss (cachexia), and organ failure are only a few of the

consequences of malnutrition.

Who is at risk?

Malnutrition affects not only here in our Barangay but also in every country on the

planet in one way or another. Combating malnourishment in all of its forms is one of

the world's most pressing public health issues.

According to WHO, malnutrition is especially dangerous for women, infants,

children, and adolescents. Early nutrition optimization, which includes the 1000 days

between conception and a child's second birthday, ensures the best possible start in

life, with long-term advantages.

Poverty here in Barangay Benigwayan increases the risk of and consequences of

malnutrition. People here who are poor are more susceptible to various forms of

malnutrition. Malnutrition also raises health-care expenses, lowers productivity, and

hinders economic growth, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and illness.

Government address the malnutrition here in Barangay Benigwayan

The municipality has been designated as the program's main point of

implementation. Here in Barangay Benigwayan the leaders which consists of a

Barangay Council, teacher-coordinator, a zone leader, and a number of unit leaders

to take control of family clusters formed in the community, is the final link between

nutrition agencies, committees, and target families. They are visiting house to house

to house to take the records of the household members.

The leaders in our Barangay address this issue by implementing the following:

Feeding Program

The officials implement the feeding program for children, especially in school and

every zone feeding program, it has supported by the local government of the

Barangay. It's their duty to fulfill the needs of their people in order to have a healthy

environment especially to the children.

Health protection, which entails identifying children and families in need of:

Immediate support coming from the government

food assistance, food production, nutrition education, and family planning are the

five intervention schemes that make up the program. The program's private backing,

which includes financial, material, and technical resources, is deemed critical to its

success.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/malnutrition/causes/

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition