Malnutrition and Its Associated Factors among Rural School Children in Fayoum Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Malnutrition is an increasing health problem among children in developing countries. We assessed the level of malnutrition and associated factors among school children in a rural setting in Fayoum Governorate, Egypt. A school based cross-sectional survey was conducted on children (6-17 years) in Manshit El Gamal village in Tamia district of Fayoum Governorate. Weight, height, and age data were used to calculate z-scores of the three nutritional indicators using WHO anthroPlus. Sociodemographics and lifestyles Data were collected. Prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting was 34.2%, 3.4%, and 0.9%, respectively, while obesity was 14.9%. Prevalence of obesity was significantly higher in younger age group of 6-9 years in comparison with older age and was higher in males versus females in 10-13-year-age group. Increasing age, reduced poultry consumption, and escaping breakfast were associated factors for stunting with OR (95% CI) 1.27 (1.17-1.37), 2.19 (1.4-3.4), and 2.3 (1.07-5.03). Younger age and regular employment of the father were factors associated with obesity (OR = 0.753; 0.688-0.824 and OR = 2.217; 1.4-3.5). Malnutrition is highly prevalent in Fayoum in line with the national prevalence and associated with age, gender, regularity of father's employment, and dietary factors.

Figure 1

Height-for-age (HAZ) distribution for study group compared to WHO standard reference population.

Figure 2

Body mass index-for-age (BAZ) distribution for study group compared to WHO standard reference population.