Prevalence of Malnutrition Detected by Anthropometric Assessment among Children Under Five Years of Age in Selected Rural Areas in Lower Egypt

Background: Malnourished children have a weakened immune system with a greater risk of developing preventable illnesses like pneumonia and diarrhea. Under nutrition is responsible directly or indirectly for 60% of the 10.9 million deaths occurring annually among children under five worldwide. On the other side, over nutrition (overweight and obesity), is a major contributor to the increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases in adulthood with its debilitating effects and increased cost of care between the elder population. Objective: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition detected by basic anthropometric assessment (weight and height) in children 0-60 month of age in selected rural areas of two districts in the governorates of Qalyubia and Gharbia and to explore the possible underlying factors of malnutrition in these areas. Method: A nutritional survey on 3871 children less than 5 years was conducted in rural health units in Kafr Shokr and Samanoud. Data was collected using an interviewed questionnaire with the mothers and anthropometric measurement sheet. Results: The study revealed that overweight and stunting were the most common forms of malnutrition prevalent within the study population at 15.2%, and 11.3% respectively and that some socio-demographic characteristics related to the children and their mothers were found to have their impact on the children's nutritional status. Conclusion: Nutritional status among Egyptian children needs due concern. Health education on promoting dietary pattern and importance of breast feeding will aid in promoting their health.