Identifying nutritionally vulnerable groups in case of emergencies: Experience from the Athens 1999 earthquake
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Identifying nutritionally vulnerable groups in case of emergencies: Experience from the Athens 1999 earthquake. / Magkos, Faidon; Arvaniti, Fotini; Piperkou, Ioanna; Katsigaraki, Sparti; Stamatelopoulos, Kimonas; Sitara, Marietta; Zampelas, Antonis.
In: International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Vol. 55, No. 7, 2004, p. 527-536.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Identifying nutritionally vulnerable groups in case of emergencies: Experience from the Athens 1999 earthquake
AU - Magkos, Faidon
AU - Arvaniti, Fotini
AU - Piperkou, Ioanna
AU - Katsigaraki, Sparti
AU - Stamatelopoulos, Kimonas
AU - Sitara, Marietta
AU - Zampelas, Antonis
N1 - (Ekstern)
PY - 2004
Y1 - 2004
N2 - During emergency situations in developing countries, young children have been identified as the most nutritionally vulnerable group. Comparatively less is known regarding nutritional risk of individuals in well-nourished societies hit by a major disaster. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to assess the nutritional status of Greek people who were left homeless after the Athens 1999 earthquake. A total of 225 volunteers from two camps were surveyed for dietary intake information and surrogate measures of nutritional status. Energy consumption and anthropometric indices of the children and adolescents revealed no sign of undernourishment. On the other hand, adults and the elderly consumed considerably less energy than that required for long-term preservation of health. Short-term energy and protein deficits, however, did not jeopardise their nutritional status as it might have expected, on the basis of high body mass indexes and normal haematological and biochemical profiles that were documented. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that nutritional risk in the acute phase after a major emergency in a previously well-nourished population is rather low. This is especially true for younger individuals, probably due to increased provision from the family and the community. Nevertheless, older persons may face increased risk as the situation is prolonged.
AB - During emergency situations in developing countries, young children have been identified as the most nutritionally vulnerable group. Comparatively less is known regarding nutritional risk of individuals in well-nourished societies hit by a major disaster. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to assess the nutritional status of Greek people who were left homeless after the Athens 1999 earthquake. A total of 225 volunteers from two camps were surveyed for dietary intake information and surrogate measures of nutritional status. Energy consumption and anthropometric indices of the children and adolescents revealed no sign of undernourishment. On the other hand, adults and the elderly consumed considerably less energy than that required for long-term preservation of health. Short-term energy and protein deficits, however, did not jeopardise their nutritional status as it might have expected, on the basis of high body mass indexes and normal haematological and biochemical profiles that were documented. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that nutritional risk in the acute phase after a major emergency in a previously well-nourished population is rather low. This is especially true for younger individuals, probably due to increased provision from the family and the community. Nevertheless, older persons may face increased risk as the situation is prolonged.
KW - Adolescent
KW - Adult
KW - Age Factors
KW - Aged
KW - Child
KW - Child, Preschool
KW - Cholesterol/blood
KW - Diet
KW - Dietary Proteins/administration & dosage
KW - Disasters
KW - Energy Intake
KW - Female
KW - Greece
KW - Homeless Persons
KW - Humans
KW - Infant
KW - Male
KW - Middle Aged
KW - Nutrition Disorders/etiology
KW - Nutritional Status
KW - Risk Factors
KW - Triglycerides/blood
U2 - 10.1080/09637480400029324
DO - 10.1080/09637480400029324
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 16019296
VL - 55
SP - 527
EP - 536
JO - International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition
JF - International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition
SN - 0963-7486
IS - 7
ER -
ID: 297233082