Nutritional status of children in Alexandra township. Clinic-based data and a community survey.

A community-based survey of the nutritional status of children aged 12-23 months was conducted. A cluster sampling technique was used. The weight and height of 426 children were measured. Compared with clinic-based growth-monitoring data, which showed that 5.5% of the children were below the 3rd percentile of weight for age, this survey revealed that 17.7% of boys and 9.3% of girls were below the 3rd percentile of weight for age. This may indicate that the health centre is not reaching those in greatest need. In respect of height for age, 44.3% of boys and 44.1% of girls were below the 3rd percentile while less than 4% of boys and girls were below the 3rd percentile of weight for height; this indicated a high percentage of stunting but no acute malnutrition. Growth monitoring may be an important component of a child health programme. However, unless growth is measured accurately and appropriate action implemented, growth monitoring alone is of little value. Thus before continuing with the programme of growth monitoring, the Alexandra Health Centre should ensure that health workers are adequately trained and that appropriate interventions are implemented to reduce the risks associated with children who fail to gain weight at the expected rate. Once implemented, a regular evaluation of all aspects should be undertaken.