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Malnutrition among children 6-24 months attending MCH centres in Alexandria an epidemiologic study. Part I:
M M Mortada1, A A Sherif, F el-Sahn
1High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University.
Insights
A 1988-1989 survey found 25.6% of children aged 6-24 months in Alexandria had protein calorie malnutrition. This nutritional status assessment revealed lower prevalence rates than previous studies, indicating potential improvements in child health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Public Health
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Protein calorie malnutrition (PCM) is a significant global health concern, particularly during the critical weaning period (6-24 months).
- Assessing nutritional status in young children is crucial for identifying public health challenges and informing interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of protein calorie malnutrition in children aged 6-24 months in Alexandria governorate.
- To compare current nutritional status with previous findings and identify trends.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional nutritional survey was conducted involving 1000 children aged 6-24 months across six MCH centres in Alexandria.
- Children's height and weight were measured and analyzed using WHO anthropometric standards and the Waterlow system.
- Gomez classification was employed to diagnose undernutrition based on weight-for-age parameters.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of undernutrition was 25.6%, predominantly first-degree malnutrition according to Gomez classification.
- Using the Waterlow system, stunting (low height-for-age) affected 29.7% of children, while wasting (low weight-for-height) was observed in only 0.7%.
- Concurrent wasting and stunting were found in a minimal 0.1% of the study population.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence rates of undernutrition, stunting, and wasting in Alexandria were found to be relatively lower compared to earlier studies.
- The findings suggest a potential positive shift in the nutritional status of young children in the region.
- Further nutritional surveys for preschool-aged children in Alexandria and other Egyptian regions are recommended to monitor trends and inform public health strategies.
Abstract:
A cross-sectional nutritional survey of children aged 6-24 months (weaning period) attending MCH centres in Alexandria governorate through the year 1988-1989 was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of protein calorie malnutrition. The sample size was 1000 children chosen from 6 MCH centres in Alexandria (one centre for each zone). The sample was distributed along the six centres in proportion to the total number of infants recorded to have attended those centres through 1985. The centres were visited during the period starting November 1988 through June 1989. Each centre continued to be visited until the number decided to be included was completed. The study included the determination of age and the measurement of height and weight. Anthropometric standards issued by WHO were used to classify the children's length for age, weight for age, and weight for length in terms of a cut off point of 2 SD below the median of that of reference (Waterlow system). Gomez classification using weight/age as a parameter was used to diagnose undernutrition. The results of the study revealed a prevalence rate of undernutrition of 25.6% which was mostly of the first degree as expressed by Gomez categories. When expressed using waterlow system a prevalence of stunting of 29.7% was observed while wasting was observed in only 0.7% and concurrent wasting and stunting constituted 0.1%. These results were considered to be relatively lower in comparison to earlier similar studies. It was thus recommended that similar surveys for preschool age children in Alexandria and other regions of Egypt would be valuable.
