The Prevalence of Malnutrition in Children under 5 Years in Lar and its Outskirts

Malnutrition in children under 5 years is a basic problem in our country.Previous studies in various areas have also shown the problem. The purpose ofthis study was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in under-5- year oldchildren in Lar and its outskirts.A cross-sectional study was designed in which 2258 children referring to thehealth centers of Lar and its outskirt were selected in 2003-2004.Anthropometric data and other demographic variables were recorded by trainedhealth workers. By using NCHS standards and Gomez classification, nutritionalstatus was defined. Data were analyzed by SPSS software.The results showed that 29.2% (95% confidence interval= 27-31) of childrenwere underweight (weight for age <75% st.) and 26.8% (95% [CI] = 25-29)were stunted (height for age <-2 SD) and 29.4% (95% [CI] = 27-31) werewasted (weight for height <-2 SD). Significant relation existed between the ageof children and the prevalence of getting underweight, stunting and wastingP<0.05. Malnutrition was seen mostly in the first two years of life and decreasedafterward. The results revealed that the prevalence of underweight and stuntingin girls was higher than those of boys (P<0.05), P<0.02 respectively). Theresults also indicated that the prevalence of malnutrition was significantlyrelated to level of mother's education and family spacing.Compared with NCHS, the prevalence of malnutrition in Lar and its outskirtwas high.