PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18 MONTHS ATTENDING HEALTH CENTERS IN NORTHWESTERN IRAN

Background and Aim: According to the rapid growth and scant evolution in the early years of a child s life, it s important to take precautions at this time. Since the role of nutrition is proven on the growth of a child, lack of attention may lead to malnutrition and health problems. Due to the essential role of health centers in controlling children s growth, this research studied the prevalence of malnutrition among children 0-18 months attending health centers in Northwestern Iran.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 446 children aged 0-18 months were enrolled in Tabriz Health centers during 4st April 2010 – 19st February 2016. Data from children s forms were taken out and analyzed. Weight and height were taken by trained staff. The z-score of weight-for-height, weight-for-age and height-for-age was calculated as against CDC growth standard, using Epi-Info software.Results: Based on results, prevalence of malnutrition was similar in both genders. Girls’ mean birth weight and birth height were 3.23±0.52 and 49.52±3.24. Moreover, boys’ mean birth weight and birth height were 3.3±0.42 and 50.17±2.37. The highest prevalence of stunting and underweight was observed in 15-month old children (11.7% and 9.9% respectively); while the highest prevalence of wasting (3.9%) was observed in newborns. Moreover, the lowest prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting was among 18-month old children (6.4%), newborns (0.3%) and 4-month old children (0.8%).Conclusion: According to the highest prevalence of wasting among newborns and highest prevalence of stunting and underweight in 15-month old children, it s necessary to train mothers of these children to prevent malnutrition.

کلیدواژه ها:

children ، malnutrition ، stunting ، z-score