Prevalence and Associated Factors of Under Nutrition Among Under-Five Children in Babylon Province, Iraq,2016

Abstract

Background:Malnutrition  in children  under five years of age  is  high priority  public health problems especially in middle and low income countries including Iraq, it is +associated with high morbidity and mortality among infants and young children

Objectives:To identify the prevalence and the correlates of under nutrition (underweight, stunting and wasting) among children under 5 years of age living in Babylon province, Iraq.

Methodology:A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted, to collect primary information from  mothers  of1000 children attending  ten   randomly selected primary health care centers (five rural and five urban centers) in Babylon province during the period from  January through June 2016 ,a scientific questionnaire, anthropometric measurements   (weight for age, length/height for age and weight for height), were used  to assess the nutritional status of the child .

Results: The  study revealed that the prevalence of underweight , stunting and  wasting were 7.6%, , 20.6%, and 6.6% respectively . Significant statistical  associations were found between all types of under nutrition and the following independent variables p<0.05 ; age,( gender  , more common in boys ), low level of mother education , types of  breast feeding and family income.

Conclusion:The study concluded that chronic malnutrition in the study area is still a  concern that needs timely intervention by governmental and non-governmental organizations. We conclude that improvements in child feeding, and better maternal education are needed to maintain the children's nutritional status.