The output and outcome of two types of formal health structures--health post and creche--for nutritional interventions for preschool children in two urban, low-income communities of Belo Horizonte, Brazil (1986).
In order to observe the nutritional and health status of pre-school children, the output and outcome of two formal health services -health post and creche- for this vulnerable group in two urban slum areas of Belo Horizonte, Brazil were studied in 1986. A total of 420 children were surveyed, 254 children randomly selected from the communities and 156 from three creches. Growth monitoring was not undertaken systematically, and mothers did not have growth control charts. When a child had diarrhea, mothers preferred to apply home remedies or to buy proprietary drugs rather than to consult medical personnel. 72% of mothers reported using ORT, and 11% suspending feeding completely. After three month of life, 50% of infants were receiving some breast milk. 75% of children were immunized completely. The prevalence of health and nutrition indicators such as anemia (50% vs. 30%), parasitosis (87% vs. 70%), and stunting (28% vs. 20%) was worse in the creches than in the communities.
Schell
B
B
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit, Eschborn, Federal Republic of Germany.
Gross
R
R
Leao
M A
MA
Molina
M C
MC
Strack
U
U
Brunken
B
B
D000740:Anemia / Q000453:epidemiology; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002656:Child Day Care Centers; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015362:Child Nutrition Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003968:Diarrhea, Infantile / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000453:epidemiology; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011204:Poverty Areas; D015995:Prevalence; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014505:Urban Population