Date of Graduation

12-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Nursing

Advisor/Mentor

Agana, Carol

Committee Member/Reader

Lofton, Ann

Abstract

This article considers the history and implications of the World Health Organization (WHO) standardized growth charts as well as the significant impact that growth chart utilization may have on 2ndMilk’s ability to understand and track the nutritional status of the malnourished orphaned infants in their formula program. Specifically, this literature review examines whether or not the WHO growth charts are a meaningful tool for 2ndMilk to adopt into their monthly baby assessments. The WHO growth charts are calibrated to express an accepted international “norm” for what an adequately nourished child looks like. In a recent service-learning initiative project, 2ndMilk piloted the use of these charts to assess their babies against the accepted world-wide healthy baby norm. The following literature is systemically analyzed to contemplate the potential use of other growth charts, but ultimately indicates that the WHO growth charts are in fact an effective metric for the tracking and assessment of nutrition status in these malnourished infants in the 2ndMilk formula program. Additional research provided emphasizes the importance of early detection and management of malnutrition.

Keywords

Malnutrition, WHO growth charts, malawi, formula, orphans, service learning

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