NUTRITION SCREENING FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL HEALTH-CARE NEEDS

Children with special health care needs represent a population at incr eased risk for poor nutritional status and inadequate nutritional supp ort. Although proper nutrition is critical for the growth and developm ent of all children, these children require careful monitoring and ear ly identification of nutrition problems that may result from physical or developmental disabilities, drug-nutrient interactions, or chronic medical conditions. This study was an evaluation of a statewide nutrit ion screening and referral effort designed to identify the nutrition n eeds of young children with disabilities. Analysis of 465 screening fo rms revealed the most frequently identified feeding concern as intake of less than 16 oz or more than 32 oz of milk or formula. The majority of anthropometric data indicated slowed or impaired growth; however, 17% of the screenings indicated no anthropometric data. Even though 73 4 feeding concerns were identified, 91% of the completed screening for ms either did not make a referral to a nutritionist or had the section blank. Contingency tables and logistic regression, were used to exami ne the variables on the screening form. Interviews and focus groups, w ith professionals involved in the screening and referral process, iden tified several issues for children birth to 3 years of age with specia l health care needs, including lack of a uniform statewide system of n utrition screening and a lack of referral to appropriate community-bas ed nutrition services for intervention. Results indicated a coordinate d follow-up system is necessary to ensure that children identified at nutritional risk will receive nutrition intervention services.