TURKANA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT: BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

PROGRAMME: DIPLOMA IN COMMUNITY HEALTH

UNIT: COMMUNITY NUTRITION

LECTURER’S NAME:ISAAK WERE

REGISTRATION NO: DCH/D/0511/2023

STUDENTS NAME: BEATRICE TUKEI

CAT 1

1.Food Security is a major problems in many communities in Kenya. briefly discuss the

causes of food insecurity in your community 5mks

 Climate Change: Erratic weather patterns, including droughts and floods, can disrupt
agricultural productivity, leading to food shortages and price volatility.

Political Instability: Civil unrest, conflicts, and political instability can disrupt food production,
distribution, and access, leading to food shortages and humanitarian crises.

Market Dynamics: Fluctuations in global food prices, trade policies, and market speculation can

affect the affordability and availability of food in Kenya, especially for vulnerable populations.

Poverty: High levels of poverty limit people's purchasing power and ability to afford nutritious

food, perpetuating a cycle of food insecurity, malnutrition, and poor health outcomes.

Poor Infrastructure: Inadequate transportation, storage facilities, and market access can hinder
the distribution of food, particularly in rural areas, exacerbating food insecurity.

Population Growth:Rapid population growth puts pressure on limited resources and agricultural
land, making it challenging to meet the growing demand for food.

2. Explain various nutritional interventions program that can implemented to improve

community nutritional status 5mks

Nutrition Education: Providing education on balanced diets, proper food preparation, and

hygiene practices can empower individuals and communities to make healthier food choices and

improve nutritional outcomes.

Supplementary Feeding Programs: These programs provide additional food or nutritional

supplements to vulnerable groups such as pregnant and lactating women, infants, and young

children to address specific nutrient deficiencies and prevent malnutrition.

Micronutrient Supplementation: Distributing micronutrient supplements, such as vitamin A,

iron, and zinc, can help address deficiencies in populations where access to diverse diets is

limited.

Food Fortification: Fortifying staple foods with essential micronutrients, such as iodine in salt

or iron in flour can improve the nutritional quality of the food supply and help prevent nutrient

deficiencies on a larger scale.

Breastfeeding Promotion and Support: Promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six

months of life and continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary feeding up to two

years and beyond can significantly improve child nutrition and reduce the risk of malnutrition

and mortality.

3.Describe anthropometric measurements applicable in determining community nutritional

status 5mks

Height (Stature): Height measurement is taken using a stadiometer and provides an indication

of linear growth. Stunting, or low height-for-age, is often used as an indicator of chronic

malnutrition within a population.

Weight: Weight measurement is typically done using a scale and provides information about

overall body mass. Low weight-for-age indicates undernutrition, while rapid weight gain may

signal overnutrition or acute malnutrition.

Body Mass Index (MI):BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters

squared (kg/m²). It is commonly used to assess nutritional status in adults and older children.

Low BMI may indicate undernutrition, while high BMI may indicate overweight or obesity.

Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC):MUAC measurement involves wrapping a tape

around the midpoint of the upper arm. It is often used as a rapid screening tool for acute

malnutrition, particularly in emergency settings.

Head Circumference:Head circumference measurement is commonly used in infants and young

children to assess brain growth and development. Abnormally small head circumference may

indicate malnutrition or developmental delays.

4.Explain five nutritional disorders prevalent in your community 5mks

Undernutrition/Malnutrition: Undernutrition encompasses various forms of malnutrition,

including stunting (low height-for-age), wasting (low weight-for-height), and underweight (low

weight-for-age). It often results from inadequate intake of energy, protein, and essential

nutrients, leading to impaired growth, development, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Iron Deficiency Anemia: Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body lacks sufficient iron to

produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues. It can result

from inadequate dietary intake of iron-rich foods, poor absorption of iron, or chronic blood loss.

Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and impaired cognitive function.

Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD):Vitamin A deficiency occurs when there is insufficient intake of

vitamin A-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and animal products, or when the body has

difficulty absorbing or utilizing vitamin A. VAD can lead to night blindness, increased
susceptibility to infections, impaired immune function, and, in severe cases, blindness and death,

particularly in children and pregnant women.

Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD):Iodine deficiency disorders result from inadequate intake of

iodine, a micronutrient essential for thyroid hormone synthesis. IDD can lead to goiter

(enlargement of the thyroid gland), hypothyroidism, cretinism (a condition characterized by

severe physical and mental impairments), and adverse effects on growth and development,

particularly in fetuses and young children.

Obesity: Obesity is a nutritional disorder characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat,

resulting from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. It is often associated with

overconsumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, sedentary lifestyle, genetic factors, and

environmental influences. Obesity increases the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes,

cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and certain cancers.

5.Explain the difference between Marasmus and Kwashakor and how the two conditions

can be controlled in children 5mks

Marasmus:

- Marasmus is a form of severe acute malnutrition characterized by overall wasting of body

tissues, including muscle and fat. It is primarily caused by a prolonged deficiency of both

calories and protein in the diet.

- Children with marasmus typically appear emaciated, with severely reduced body weight and

muscle mass. Their skin may appear loose and wrinkled due to loss of subcutaneous fat.
 - Marasmus is often associated with chronic hunger and inadequate food intake over an

extended period, leading to a state of chronic energy deficiency.

Kwashiorkor:

- Kwashiorkor is another severe form of malnutrition characterized by inadequate protein

intake, despite sufficient energy intake. It often occurs when a child's diet is high in

carbohydrates but low in protein and essential micronutrients.

- Children with kwashiorkor may present with edema (fluid retention), particularly in the

extremities, face, and abdomen. They may also exhibit skin lesions, hair changes, and

hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver).

- Kwashiorkor is more likely to occur during periods of famine, food shortages, or when a

child's diet lacks protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products.

Control strategies of both Kwashiokor and Marasmus are;

Therapeutic Feeding:Children with severe acute malnutrition, including marasmus and

kwashiorkor, require therapeutic feeding with specialized ready-to-use therapeutic foods

(RUTFs) or therapeutic milk-based formulas. These nutrient-dense foods provide essential

calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals to support recovery and growth.

Nutritional Rehabilitation: Nutritional rehabilitation programs aim to gradually reintroduce

nutritious foods, including protein-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, and fortified foods, to children

recovering from malnutrition. These programs often include nutrition education for caregivers to

promote healthy feeding practices and prevent relapse.

Medical Treatment: Children with severe malnutrition may require medical treatment for

complications such as infections, electrolyte imbalances, and micronutrient deficiencies. Close

monitoring by healthcare professionals is essential to address medical issues promptly and

prevent further deterioration.

Preventive Interventions: Preventing malnutrition through interventions such as breastfeeding

promotion, micronutrient supplementation, food fortification, and poverty alleviation measures

can help reduce the incidence of marasmus and kwashiorkor. Improving access to clean water,

sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities also plays a crucial role in preventing diarrheal

diseases and other infections that contribute to malnutrition.

Community Empowerment: Engaging communities in nutrition education, agricultural

interventions, income-generating activities, and social support networks can empower caregivers

to provide adequate nutrition and care for their children, contributing to long-term nutritional

security and well-being.

6.Explain the purpose of conducting nutritional assessment in the community 5mks

Identifying Nutritional Needs: Nutritional assessment helps identify the nutritional needs and

deficiencies within the community, including deficiencies in macronutrients (such as protein and

carbohydrates) and micronutrients (such as vitamins and minerals). This information allows

healthcare professionals and policymakers to prioritize interventions and allocate resources

effectively.
Monitoring Nutritional Status: Nutritional assessment provides baseline data on the nutritional

status of different population groups within the community. Regular monitoring enables tracking

of trends over time, detection of changes in nutritional status, and evaluation of the effectiveness

of nutrition programs and interventions.

Identifying High-Risk Groups: Nutritional assessment helps identify high-risk groups within

the community, such as pregnant women, infants, young children, the elderly, and individuals

with chronic illnesses. These vulnerable populations may have specific nutritional needs or be at

increased risk of malnutrition, requiring targeted interventions and support.

Preventing Malnutrition: Nutritional assessment plays a crucial role in preventing malnutrition

by identifying individuals or groups at risk of undernutrition, overnutrition, or specific nutrient

deficiencies. Early detection allows for timely interventions, such as nutritional counseling,

supplementation, or access to nutritious foods, to prevent malnutrition and its associated health

consequences.

Guiding Policy and Program Development: Nutritional assessment data provides valuable

evidence for guiding the development, implementation, and evaluation of nutrition policies,

programs, and interventions at the community, regional, and national levels. It helps inform

decision-making, resource allocation, and advocacy efforts aimed at improving nutritional

outcomes and reducing health disparities.