Towards a capability approach to child growth: A theoretical framework.
Matern Child Nutr
; 14(2): e12534, 2018 04.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29052943
ABSTRACT
Child malnutrition is an important cause of under-5 mortality and morbidity around the globe. Despite the partial success of (inter)national efforts to reduce child mortality, under-5 mortality rates continue to be high. The multidimensional approaches of the Sustainable Development Goals may suggest new directions for rethinking strategies for reducing child mortality and malnutrition. We propose a theoretical framework for developing a "capability" approach to child growth. The current child growth monitoring practices are based on 2 assumptions (a) that anthropometric and motor development measures are the appropriate indicators; and (b) that child growth can be assessed using a single universal standard that is applicable around the world. These practices may be further advanced by applying a capability approach to child growth, whereby growth is redefined as the achievement of certain capabilities (of society, parents, and children). This framework is similar to the multidimensional approach to societal development presented in the seminal work of Amartya Sen. To identify the dimensions of healthy child growth, we draw upon theories from the social sciences and evolutionary biology. Conceptually, we consider growth as a plural space and propose assessing growth by means of a child growth matrix in which the context is embedded in the assessment. This approach will better address the diversities and the inequalities in child growth. Such a multidimensional measure will have implications for interventions and policy, including prevention and counselling, and could have an impact on child malnutrition and mortality.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Transtornos da Nutrição Infantil
/
Desenvolvimento Infantil
Limite:
Child, preschool
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Matern Child Nutr
Assunto da revista:
CIENCIAS DA NUTRICAO
/
PERINATOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2018
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Holanda