Time Schedule:
Jonathan L. Gorstein
G H 555
Seattle Campus
Introduces issues of nutrition in developing countries, with an emphasis on the control and prevention of under nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Offered: jointly with NUTR 555; Sp.
Class description
Nutrition in Developing Countries (NUTR 555/GH 555) will enable students to gain a general foundation on the global dimension of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, through an introduction into the epidemiology of these different problems, their assessment and classification, and a description of current strategies being implemented to improve nutritional status in developing countries. There will be an emphasis on the design and evaluation of intervention programs, and will include a description of current operational research being undertaken to address micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin A deficiency, iodine deficiency disorders and iron deficiency anemia. Case studies of national programs and smaller-scale projects will be used to describe successful interventions, as well as to underscore the challenge of convincing policy makers of the importance of nutrition given other health problems competing for resources and priority
Student learning goals
Analyze the relationship between the main determinants of malnutrition, and describe the direct effects of food insecurity and infectious disease, as well as underlying factors related to poverty
Distinguish between the main vitamin and mineral deficiencies that affect populations in developing countries
Describe the magnitude of micronutrient deficiencies and their consequences on morbidity, physical growth and cognitive development.
Identify the main intervention strategies employed for the control of micronutrient malnutrition and analyze the cost-effectiveness of alternative approaches
Outline the relationship between food subsidies in industrialized countries, surplus production of cereal grains, local agriculture in developing countries and food security
Compare different approaches to improve the nutritional status and food intake of patients receiving ARV for the treatment of HIV/AIDS and consider their sustainability
General method of instruction
Lectures and case studies
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Students will be expected to complete all readings. In addition, small groups of students will be required to prepare responses to a case study (introduced in Week 1 and due on 30 April).
In addition, small groups will be required to prepare a paper and a presentation addressing a specific nutrition problem in the developing world, providing background on the significance of the problem and identify some plausible interventions or solutions. The paper is expected to be 15-20 pages long, while the presentation will be shared with the class during one of the two final sessions.
Class participation and assignments
