Abstract:

Malnutrition is a widespread problem in India and the rest of the developing countries. Children, adolescents and especially female children are suffering from it. Poor diet leads to an increased health risk in terms of infections, neurological diseases and stunting. The aim of the study was to illuminate what nurses do in order to promote wellbeing for children suffering from malnutrition in India. The study was a qualitative interview study with an inductive approach. The seven informants worked as nurses or clinical teachers at a pediatric clinic in a private hospital, East India. All informants had a long working experience of children care. Content analysis has been used to analyze the data material. The informants underlined the fact that there is an overall lack of knowledge about nutrition in the Indian society. The concept of a balanced diet is missing. The result also showed that the children´s wellbeing is promoted by playing and building their self-esteem. The findings can be used by nurses choosing to work in developing countries or when they meet refugees with a bad nutritional status.