intervention programme for improving the nutritional status of children aged 2-5 years in Alexandria

We assessed the effect of a selected intervention on the nutritional status of 2-5-year-old children in day care centres. Using a longitudinal prospective pretest/post-test intervention design, 974 children from 3 day care centres in Alexandria were followed for 1 year. Anthropometric measurements and 3-day 24-hour recall data were gathered at base line and dietary intake was calculated and compared with recommended daily allowances. An intervention programme was implemented through the establishment of kitchens in the 3 centres, provision of 2 meals/day, nutrition education for parents and training of supervisors. Baseline data revealed deficient intake of most nutrients especially calcium, calories, vitamin C and iron. Post-intervention test revealed improvement in mothers' nutrition knowledge and the percentage of anaemic children decreased from 47.3% to 14.2%. A decrease in the percentage of underweight, stunted and wasted was also observed. The cost of the programme per child per year was US$ 20.5

study of nutritional status of pre-school children in Kuwait

The aim of this survey was to assess the nutritional status of preschool children in Kuwait. A multistage stratified sample of 645 male and 635 female children was taken to represent all Kuwait Governorates. The mother of each child was interviewed to collect data on socioeconomic variables. The length/height, body weight of the children were recorded and hemoglobin concentration was determined. The results show that 11.5% of the boys and 9.9% of the girls were stunted the prevalence of wasting was similar in both sexes [10.9%]. Obesity was more prevalent among girls [18.4%;] than among boys [16.1%]. The results also show that anemia was more prevalent among boys [32.5%] than among girls [25.3%]. Several factors such as birth order, family income, mothers education and employment affected the prevalence of undernutrition among preschool children in Kuwait

Recent trends in infant feeding patterns and weaning practice in Kuwait

The aim of this study was to investigate recent trends in infant feeding pattern and weaning practices. A multistage stratified sample of 782 mothers of infants aged less than 2 years was taken. Each mother was privately interviewed to collect data on infant feeding pattern and weaning practices. The results showed a sharp decline in the rate of breast-feeding [26.1%] and a higher prevalence of bottle feeding [41.9%]. Breast-feeding was more common among late order children and those born to illiterate mothers. The results also showed that the mean duration of breast-feeding was 4.9 months and was longer among illiterate mothers. Infants were weaned because of insufficient milk, mother desire and infant refusal of breast. Infant formula [36.3%] and home made foods [28.6%] were usually used during the weaning period. However, 22.9% of the mothers introduced the infant directly to family foods

study of the prevalence of obesity among adult females in Kuwait

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adult females in the age group 15-45 years in Kuwait. The body mass index of 1270 females was calculated and was used in the classification of adult female as overweight [BMI: 25-29.99] or obese [BMI = 30+]. The results show that the prevalence of obesity and overweight was highest among illiterate females and least among university graduates. The data show that the prevalence of underweight was highest and obesity was least in young adults less than 20 years of age. The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased among older females having more than 4 children. Obesity was more prevalent [38.2%] among non-working women, than among those in administration [30.2%], or those in technical work [24.0%]. The corresponding rates for overweight were 42.1%, 40.1% and 31.3%. Physical exercise had a significant effect on the prevalence of obesity which was highest in the group that did not practice any physical exercise [33.5%] and declined to 24.3% with light exercise and was least [15.8%] when the female was practicing mild physical exercise. The corresponding rates for overweight were, 43.0%, 33.0% and 25.0%

Nutritional status survey of preschool children in Kuwait

The nutritional status of 645 male and 635 female preschool children in Kuwait was assessed. Mothers were interviewed to collect data on socioeconomic variables. The length/height and body weight of the children were recorded and haemoglobin concentration was determined. The results show that 11.5% of the boys and 9.9% of the girls were stunted; the prevalence of wasting was fairly similar in both sexes [10.1%-10.9%]. Obesity was more prevalent in girls [18.4%] than boys [16.1%]. Anaemia was more prevalent in boys [32.9%] than girls [25.8%]. Factors such as birth order, family income and mother's education and employment were found to affect the prevalence of undernutrition