Toddler malnutrition and the Protein-energy Malnutrition (PEM) programme in the Vosloorus township

Abstract

The prevalence of Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) in South Africa has been welldescribed in previous research studies and yet little is known about the nutritional status of toddlers in the Vosloorus Township. Using the research questions as the conceptual framework for the study, an exploratory descriptive survey was conducted to determine. • What factors give rise to malnutrition in the Vosloorus Township? • Why do toddlers on the PEM Programme fail to achieve their expected target weight? Data was collected by means of structured interviews from a sample of 50 mothers in the Vosloorus Township whose toddlers were on the PEM Programme. The fmdings indicated that the poor socio-economic conditions of the majority of households, especially unemployment, low levels of education and ignorance, contributed towards the development of malnutrition amongst toddlers and their failure to thrive on the PEM Programme. Recommendations to reduce levels of malnutrition and transform existing nutrition programmes were made.