Towards a capability approach to child growth: A theoretical framework

被引:20
作者
Haisma, Hinke [1 ]
Yousefzadeh, Sepideh [1 ]
Van Hensbroek, Pieter Boele [1 ,2 ]
机构
[1] Univ Groningen, Populat Res Ctr, Landleven 1, NL-9747 AD Groningen, Netherlands
[2] Univ Groningen, Globalisat Studies Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
关键词
capabilities; child growth; child mortality; context; inequalities; multidisciplinary approaches; NUTRITION TRANSITION; BIRTH-WEIGHT; THRIFTY PHENOTYPE; LOW-INCOME; HEALTH; OBESITY;
D O I
10.1111/mcn.12534
中图分类号
R15 [营养卫生、食品卫生]; TS201 [基础科学];
学科分类号
100403 ;
摘要
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.
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页数:11
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