Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

    Background & Aim: Protein-Energy malnutrition is one of the most important world’s health problems, especially among the children under the age of 5. Thus, this study was conducted with regard to the known complications and different reports of the prevalence and the determinants of this disorder. The goal of the present study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of protein-energy malnutrition among children under the age of 5. Patients & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between Oct.2002 to Feb. 2003 in Savojbolagh. Sampling was based on 20% prevalence of malnutrition, 95% CI, design effect of 1.8, and d=0.03. By employing random cluster sampling technique, 1243 samples were chosen (632 rural samples and 603 urban samples). Data was collected by means of questionnaire, interview and observation. Results: The most important findings in this study were as follows. The prevalence of stunting among the girls was more than the boys (12.1%, 8.7% respectively). Prevalence of wasting was 4.7% in girls and 3.7% in boys. Age(P<0.043), weight(P<0.001) and height (P<0.001) of the children had significant correlation with malnutrition. There was a significant correlation between malnutrition and calorie of diet(P<0.038) in 3-4 age group. This study also showed a significant correlation between low weight for height for age and low protein in children’s diet (P<0.01)(1-2 and 2-3 age groups). Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, children were suffering from the mild malnutrition. The determinants affecting the children in this study were: mother’s lack of knowledge of appropriate time for beginning complementary food(P<0.022), use of no complementary food (P<0.045), and spending half of the household income on food (P<0.039).