Article Abstract:
A study conducted among women and children in 30 communities in Sarajevo in Jul 1993, one year after food aid began, shows that the women and children were not seriously undernourished. The food aid was estimated to fulfill about 85% of the need. In addition, pregnant and lactating women and young children received supplementary food, and the adults were able to live on their body reserves as they were well nourished before the war. The weight of the refugee women was generally higher than that of the residents. However, the amount of breast feeding was low due to wrong beliefs and lack of information.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
A study conducted in the winter of 1993-1994 in Sarajevo shows that although the nutritional status of children and adults was almost normal, the elderly had high levels of undernutrition. The ability of the old to cope with the effects of the shortage of food was low. There was an average decrease of 260 grams in the body weight of most adults. While 30% of the population were overweight before the war, only 16.5% were overweight during the study period. The refugees living in collective centers had the least access to food as they were almost totally dependent on international food aid.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
A comparison of infants born before and during the war in Sarajevo shows that perinatal mortality, morbidity of newborns, malformations, and low birth weight increased during the war. Underweight women had the largest percentage of underweight babies, as well as the lowest mean birthweight. However, a definite effect of the shortage of food on harmful birth outcomes was not demonstrated. The malformations seen in the infants might be due to air and water pollution caused during the war.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: