Pattern and Risk Factors of Malnutrition among Under-Five Children Attending Nutrition Clinic, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition in young children is a major public health issue that is linked to early and later life health problems; it is one of the leading causes of illness in children under 5 years of age. Objectives: This study aims to identify the patterns of malnutrition and risk factors for stunting among young children aged 24– 59 months who attended the Nutritional Clinic of Assiut University Children Hospital. Method: In a cross-sectional study of 134 children, anthropomorphic measurements were taken, and children’s mothers completed several nutrition-related scales and a face-to-face structured questionnaire. Results: The percentage of stunting among the children was 56.7%, and the total percentage of underweight was 67.2%. Birth order was inversely related to height for age Z-score (HAZ), and that association was statistically significant, as there was a positive association between HAZ and spacing between children. Children from households that consumed two or more various types of fat had twice the risk of stunting of the risk in households that consumed no more than one type of fat. Household consumption of no more than one type of animal protein increased stunting risk by seven times the risk in households that consumed at least two types of animal protein. Conclusion: Stunting was the most common pattern of malnutrition among children attending the clinic. Reduced household consumption of animal protein and increased fat consumption are significant predictors of stunting; therefore, health education programs for mothers should be conducted on a regular basis to increase their awareness about dietary diversity.