Urban Poor Families Research Articles

Environmental aspects of child growth and nutrition: A case study from Ibadan, Nigeria

Protein-energy malnutrition, especially among young children, is a major health problem in many developing areas. Its causes are complex and inadequately understood. The paper outlines a pilot survey designed to investigate the impact of economic, demographic and socio-cultural factors on growth and nutrition among a small group of children aged between one and five years from urban poor families living in Ibadan, Nigeria. Field surveys were undertaken between July 1971 and August 1972 using 51 children from the Oje area of the city who formed part of a larger longitudinal study of child growth and development. Records of child growth patterns were compiled from monthly anthropometric measurements and enquiries made into the socio-economic and demographic status of the sample families. Basic analysis identified periods of growth retardation and seasonal fluctuations in somatic attainments. Multiple correlation analyses attempted to define statistically some of the aspects of the environment which significantly influenced somatic achievements. Relatively low levels of explanation were obtained, emphasising data deficiencies and the complexity of the nutrition problem, but small groups of economic and demographic causative variables were isolated.

Hard-to-reach families in a comprehensive care program

A comprehensive pediatric care program was offered to a sample of urban poor families, with special attention being paid those families who had indicated that they would be hard to reach or who had a specific social problem. The majority of families approached readily accepted this offer of medical care. With considerable further effort 75% of the hard-to-reach families could be brought into the program. The presence of a specific social problem, illegitimacy, while not precluding a family's being enrolled, did decrease participation and require more effort. Residential mobility and family disorganization were the major handicaps encountered. Race, mother's education, and children's age also influenced the outcome. These efforts, while rewarding, entailed considerable time and expense; whether this is worthwhile depends on the demonstration of actual benefits of comprehensive care to the families.

Hard-to-Reach Families in a Comprehensive Care Program

A comprehensive pediatric care program was offered to a sample of urban poor families, with special attention being paid those families who had indicated that they would be "hard to reach" or who had a specific social problem. The majority of families approached readily accepted this offer of medical care. With considerable further effort 75% of the hard-to-reach families could be brought into the program. The presence of a specific social problem, illegitimacy, while not precluding a family's being enrolled, did decrease participation and require more effort. Residential mobility and family disorganization were the major handicaps encountered. Race, mother's education, and children's age also influenced the outcome. These efforts, while rewarding, entailed considerable time and expense; whether this is worthwhile depends on the demonstration of actual benefits of comprehensive care to the families.