ABSTRACT
Periodical evaluation of anthropometric indicators is one of the best methods for monitoring of children's nutritional status and also is an appropriate information resource for the health system of the countries. The purpose of this study was assessing prevalence and predictors of three anthropometric indices, underweight, stunting and wasting among 2-5 year old Children in Zahedan, 2007-2008. This descriptive analytjcal study was conducted on 1245 children [2-5 years old] in Zahedan, 2007-2008. Samples were selected from 5 different districts in Zahedan. Data were collected using records and interviews with mothers. In this study, wasting [weight for height], stunting [height for age] and underweight [weight for age] were evaluated based on Z score = -2.5. Data were analyzed using independent T-test, ANOVA, Chi square and linear logistic regression. In this study, the prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweighting were found as 4.2%, 7.6% and 3.4%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that wasting had a significant relation with birth weight and birth interval. In addition, stunting had relation with birth weight, mothers' educational level, fathers'job, nutritional status, infection history, birth interval and mothers' age. Underweight showed significant relation with sex, birth weight, nutritional status, infection history, birth interval and mothers' age [P<0.05]. In multiple analysis, birth interval demonstrated significant relation with wasting and birth weight, mothers' age had significant relation with stunting, birth weight and birth interval and finally, mothers' age had significant relation with underweight [P<0.05]. Considering to results obtained from this study, the most important factors related to the three above mentioned anthropometric indices are birth weight, birth interval and mothers' age. Therefore; improving these variables, may help decreasing the prevalence of malnutrition among children