Examining Factors that Contribute to the Application of Improved Nutritional Practices in Guatemala

Authors

Kim Proffit, Brigham Young University
Ashley Jensen, Brigham Young University
Dr. Vickie Johnsen, Brigham Young University

Keywords

nutritional practices, Guatemala, malnutrition, mother's lifestyles

College

Nursing

Abstract

Malnutrition is a significant problem in Guatemala. Malnutrition, and its related diseases, are part of most diagnoses of children in the hospital regardless of the reason for admission. Ruel, Habicht, Rasmussen & Martorell (1996, p. 671) report the severity of the problem, “Guatemala has one of the highest prevalences of stunting in the world.” In 2001 UNICEF reported that 29% of Guatemalan children under 5 years of age were underweight, 46% were stunted and 3% were wasting. Even in countries suffering with severe malnutrition, Zeitlin, Ghassemi, and Mansour, (1990) suggest that some children who live in poverty and have severely restricted diets are healthy and well nourished whereas others are not.

Recommended Citation

Proffit, Kim; Jensen, Ashley; and Johnsen, Dr. Vickie (2014) "Examining Factors that Contribute to the Application of Improved Nutritional Practices in Guatemala," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 1068.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/1068