Capacity of state health agencies to meet nutrition objectives in maternal and child health.

Public health nutritionists in 54 official state health agencies were surveyed in 1987 to determine to what extent they were prepared to implement the Model State Nutrition Objectives developed by the Association of State and Territorial Public Health Nutrition Directors. Objectives related to services to the maternal and child health (MCH) population were the focus of one part of the survey. One half of all states have plans for nutrition services integrated into their state MCH plans. More than 75% of state agencies collect data on the nutritional status of pregnant and lactating women, infants, and preschool children. Fewer than half collect data on dietary intake patterns or nutrition knowledge. Thirty-one agencies reported a formal quality assurance program for one or more subsets of the MCH population. At least 75% of all states provide dietary intake recommendations, screening and assessment protocols, and policies concerning referrals to maternal and infant health programs. State health agencies are already involved in activities that will facilitate adoption of the model state nutrition objectives.