Abstract
This study evaluated the prevalence of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) in children under five years (n = 52), in three randomly selected, State operated foster care institutions in Sri Lanka. The prevalence of PEM, was (51.9%), underweight (63.5%) and wasting (25.0%) was found to be considerably higher than the national prevalence (13.5%, 29.4%, 14.0%, respectively). Based on this preliminary evidence, it is recommended that a study representative of all institutionalised children in both State and private facilities be conducted to identify deficiencies and recommend improvements to institutional care in Sri Lanka.
Highlights
Foster care institutions in the developing world function importantly in protecting and caring for children who are orphaned, abandoned, abused, or placed under State probation
The Sri Lankan Department of Probation and Child Care Services operates eight State Receiving Homes, which act as transit centres for children until adoption or adulthood
It was found in my study that stunting prevalence was 81% in children with low birthweight (LBW), compared to 40% in those with appropriate birthweight (Table 2) [11]
Summary
Foster care institutions in the developing world function importantly in protecting and caring for children who are orphaned, abandoned, abused, or placed under State probation. The Sri Lankan Department of Probation and Child Care Services operates eight State Receiving Homes, which act as transit centres for children until adoption or adulthood. A 1998 report of the Department states that 297 children were housed in these locations, which are mandated to provide appropriate nutrition, health care access, clothing, schooling access, and other basic requirements [2].
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