Assessment of Neurodisability and Malnutrition in Children in Africa



Gladstone, Melissa ORCID: 0000-0002-2579-9301, Mallewa, Mac, Jalloh, Alhaji Alusine, Voskuijl, Wieger, Postels, Douglas, Groce, Nora, Kerac, Marko and Molyneux, Elizabeth
(2014) Assessment of Neurodisability and Malnutrition in Children in Africa. SEMINARS IN PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY, 21 (1). pp. 50-57.

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Abstract

Neurodevelopmental delay, neurodisability, and malnutrition interact to contribute a significant burden of disease in global settings. Assessments which are well integrated with plans of management or advice are most likely to improve outcomes. Assessment tools used in clinical research and programming to evaluate outcomes include developmental and cognitive tools that vary in complexity, sensitivity, and validity as well as the target age of assessment. Few tools have been used to measure socioemotional outcomes and fewer to assess the disabled child with malnutrition. There is a paucity of tools used clinically which actually provide families and professionals with advice to improve outcomes. Brain imaging, electroencephalography, audiology, and visual assessment can also be used to assess the effect of malnutrition on brain structure and function. The interaction of neurodisability and malnutrition is powerful, and both need to be considered when assessing children. Without an integrated approach to assessment and management, we will not support children and families to reach their best potential outcomes.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Humans, Nervous System Diseases, Child Nutrition Disorders, Child, Africa
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 10 Jan 2017 09:54
Last Modified: 19 Jan 2023 07:20
DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2014.01.002
Open Access URL: http://www.sempedneurjnl.com/article/S1071-9091(14...
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URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3005150