Résumé
The purpose of this investigation was to study the impact of family socioeconomical status on child health and nutrition. Signs of malnutrition [SM] were noted from physical examination of 42 preschool children [2-6 yr] at different locations in Cairo. Interviews with child's weight and height were also measured. Children showing SM were 50, 45, 48, 26, 24, 38, 14, 19 and 21% as indicated by unhealthy appearance of hair, face, eyes, gums, lips, teeth, tongue, skin and legs, respectively. Incidence of SM was high among children of families having parents of low or medium education levels particularly mothers, and were very low when parents had high education levels. Children of fathers having primitive jobs were more frequently sick. Most of children showing SM were related to families whose monthly income per person [IPP] is less than 100 L.E. However, the incidence of tooth decay was more frequently found [55%] among families whose [IPP] is more than 100 L.E. unhealthy looking hair was more frequent among children numbered 5th or higher [67%]. Apparently, 88% of the children showed high intake of protein [>125% of RDA]. About 81% of children showed low intake of Calcium [<75% of RDA]