[Evaluation and epidemiologic surveillance of nutritional deficiencies. Principles and application to elementary health units].

The authors briefly describe some anthropometric, biologic and clinical nutrition indicators used to assess the severity of malnutrition. Problems related to selection of population samples and framework for possible action against malnutrition are also indicated. For transverse evaluation, they suggest to utilize the cluster sampling method recommended by W.H.O. for studying vaccine coverage. The main indicator of nutritional status is then the brachial perimeter qualitatively evaluated with Shakir's strip. To monitor epidemiological importance of malnutrition, they suggest to take into account: the figures indicated by the maternities (birth weight), the figures indicated by M.C.H. and school health (ratio of malnourished children--weight average by age and sex), the figures indicated by specialized hospital departments such as pediatrics, nurseries... They insist upon seasonal factors and evaluation of the rate of coverage of the target population by maternities, M.C.H. and school health, in order to correctly read the declared figures.