CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS OF BASELINE NUTRITION SURVEY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT (ECD) PROVINCES

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) has undertaken a study to generate baseline data in ECD areas on the prevalence of clinical signs/symptom of anemia, goiter, and vitamin A deficiency (VAD) episodes of infections/illness and participation in health interventions of the 0-6 years old children, pregnant and lactating women. The clinical phase involved 989 0-6 years old children, 1,539 pregnant women and 1,678 randomly selected lactating women in both ECD and non-ECD areas.

Researchers Felicidad V. Velandria, C.A. Duante, J.B.M. Tanco, C.L. Orense, E.O. dela Cruz, R.R. Pio Roda and C.VC. Barba have found that prevalences of all types of pallor as manifestations of anemia were higher in the ECD areas in all subjects examined. Children in ECD areas were afflicted with goiter symptoms of VAD.
The most common infections afflicting children were fever/flu, upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), diarrhea and parasitism. Intake of multivitamins was highest among children less than 1 year.

More than 50% of pregnant and lactating women have goiter. The percentage of supplement users was higher in both pregnant and lactating women. Coverage of tetanus toxoid infection for both pregnant and lactating women was pursued.

Early Child Development needs much attention in order to raise a productive and healthy citizenry.

For more information regarding this survey, please write to:
Dr. CORAZON VC. BARBA
Director
Food and Nutrition Research Institute, DOST
Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila 1631