HNE-26806 Introduction to Nutrition and Health in Developing Countries

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Continuation courses:

HNE-39806 Hidden Hunger; HNE-36406 Food and Nutrition Security in developing countries: monitoring and evaluation; HNE-33306 Public Health Nutrition; PPS-31306 Global Food Security.

Contents:

In this course we will discuss nutrition in a developing context focussing on assessment of malnutrition, understanding the different levels of causality and the interactions between the various determinants. The socio-economic and cultural dimensions of food habits and consumption will receive ample attention. Emerging issues of countries in an intermediate stage of development are discussed such as obesity and rapid urbanization. Moreover, the course will touch on some of the solutions that are at hand and the challenges that it takes to implement these.

Learning outcomes:

After the course, the student will be able to:
- mention the major causes and consequences of malnutrition in a developing context during vulnerable phases in the life cycle;
- describe the double burden of malnutrition and related disease profiles;
- interpret the major nutrition (and health) indicators and methods to assess these;
- explain the concept "food and nutrition security";
- understand the interrelationship between nutrition, agriculture and health;
- mention the methods to assess food culture in its related geographical dimension;
- understand the nutritional consequences of the nutrition transition and rapid urbanization;
- apply the knowledge gained during the course to design nutritional strategies;
- understand the role of various agencies, companies and organizations that work towards the implementation of nutrition programmes to combat malnutrition in developing countries.

Activities:

- lectures;
- guest lectures;
- debates;
- group work;
- self-study.

Examination:

Participation in practical and tutorial is mandatory. The final mark is based on a written exam, consisting of 6 open questions (of which 5 need to be answered, student is free to select) and 1 question comprising 10 multiple choice questions.

Literature:

Course guide via Blackboard en hand-outs. Semba & Bloem (2008). ISBN: 9781934115244 Den Hartog; [et. al]. (2006). ISBN: 9789076998947