Prevalence of malnutrition among children under five years in Babylon Government, Iraq

Abstract

Background: since 2003, Iraq's fragile geopolitical situation has harmed people's health, especially children. Some factors may have an impact on a child's nutritional status. The research goal is to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among children aged 6 to 59 months in a comprehensive sample of children in Babylon. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study focuses on the prevalence of malnutrition in children under the age of five at primary health care centers in Al- Hilla city's urban and rural areas. From November 1st, 2021, the research will take time until March 1st, 2022. After receiving their permission, the data was obtained using an auto-self questionnaire with a series of questions and an interview with moms and children. This interview lasts 10–15 minutes for each kid and is used to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in childhood. The prevalence of severe wasting (1.3%), underweight (1.3%), stunting (6.5%), and severe stunting (5.2%) was seen in both genders. The total prevalence of malnutrition among children under the age of five was determined to be 14.3%.