College of Arts and Sciences Primary Subject Area Sociology,
Public and Social Welfare Research reveals that malnutrition is
a severe problem in the nation of Guatemala, as it is the
country with the highest rate of malnutrition in Latin America
and the Western hemisphere, and the fourth highest rate in the
world. The epidemic of malnutrition in Guatemala not only
inhibits the development of each child, but also the development
of the nation as a whole. The causes and effects of child
malnutrition both on the individual and on Guatemalan society
will be explored. Infant malnutrition in Guatemala is an
injustice which manifests itself severely through the cognitive,
physical, and psychosocial shortcomings in development of each
Guatemalan child affected, and in turn, creates an immense
societal problem for the nation of Guatemala.