Growth of preschool children in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya: regional and sociodemographic differences.

Original article

English

Hameida J, Billot L, Deschamps JP.

Ecole de sante publique, Vandoeuvre Les Nancy, France.

East Mediterr Health J. 2002 Jul-Sep;8(4-5):458-69.

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was performed in two regions of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. The aim was to study the growth and nutritional status of children under 5 years of age and the effect of socioeconomic factors on child development. Anthropometric indices (weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height) differed in the two regions. The prevalence of stunting was significantly higher among children from mainly rural Al Jabel Al Garby (6.1%) than those from urban Tripoli (2.5%). The z-scores that correlated strongly with under-nutrition included: mother’s education, child’s age and sex, and region. Stunting was significantly related to age and region and to maternal education level and family size. Wasting was highly correlated with maternal education.

Keywords: children,Growth Disorders,Nutrition Assessment

Link/DOI: http://www.emro.who.int/Publications/EMHJ/0804_5/Growth.htm