Malnutrition among preschool children in Cairo

Abstract EN

Background : There is a growing recognition of the double burden of malnutrition with under- and over nutrition occurring simultaneously among different populations in developing countries.

Aims : To assess thenutritional status of preschool children in Cairo.

Methods: The nutritional status of 513 apparently healthy preschool children (282 boys and 231 girls) randomly selected amongst those attending nurseries and child care centers of different districts in Cairo from November 2007 till June 2008, was assessed.

Their ages ranged between 3 to 5 years.

A simple questionnaire was fulfilled by the care giver of each child to identify the social status and different environmental risk factors.

Clinical examination, anthropometric measurements as well as calculation of Z-score of weight for age (WAZ), height for age (HAZ), weight for height (WHZ) and Body mass index (BMI) using Egyptian standard growth charts were done.

Results: The study revealed that the prevalence of underweight, wasting and stunting was 0.

6 %, 1.

9 % and 4.

3 % respectively while the prevalence of those at nutritional risk of underweight, wasting and stunting was 10.9%, 12.

7 % and 11.9% respectively.

Additionally, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 10.

9 % and 6.

6 %.

Children belonging to middle social class had the highest prevalence of both under and over nutrition.

WAZ, HAZ, WHZ and BMI results showed positive correlations with...

birth weight, number of meals, maternal education and occupation, and negative correlations with birth order, spacing, number of children and the frequency of attacks of gastroenteritis and bronchitis in the past 3 months prior to enrolment.

Conclusion: The incidence of obesity and overweight among preschool children living in Cairo has increased compared to previous Egyptian studies.

Whereas, underweight, wasting and stunting have decreased yet, those at risk of underweight, wasting and stunting are still considerable.

Middle social class' is the most vulnerable population for malnutrition.