Int J Health Serv. 1982;12(2):231-47. doi: 10.2190/FVR9-MH8F-HTQV-45VN.
The processes generating malnutrition are examined with particular reference to Guyana. The theoretical framework includes the concept of limiting factors, which in this case means that the failure to alter a critical variable will prevent nutritional improvement, despite intervention in other variables. Among important factors found to cause malnutrition age low national production, inequitable income distribution, and maladaptive cultural practices. These are located in the economy of the country and in the institutions and ideas which support that economy. Power and politics therefore fundamentally affect nutritional outcome; and imperialist control of underdeveloped economies makes international relations an indispensible consideration. It is concluded that for Guyana the political process is the limiting factor which must be altered before significant nutritional improvement can occur.
本文特别参照圭亚那的情况，对造成营养不良的过程进行了研究。理论框架包括限制因素的概念，在这种情况下，这意味着即使对其他变量进行干预，若关键变量未能改变，也无法实现营养状况的改善。在已发现的导致营养不良的重要因素中，有国民生产水平低下、收入分配不均以及不适应的文化习俗。这些因素存在于该国的经济以及支持该经济的制度和观念之中。因此，权力和政治从根本上影响营养状况的结果；而帝国主义对欠发达经济体的控制使得国际关系成为不可或缺的考量因素。得出的结论是，对于圭亚那而言，政治进程是限制因素，必须加以改变，才能实现显著的营养改善。
