RESUMO
Objective: The main aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status of pre-school children in Mingora city of Swat
Methodology: A community based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Mingora city - an urban area of Swat valley, from April to December 2013, to determine the current nutritional status of pre-school children [2-5years age group]. A total of 550 children were selected by convenience sampling method. Anthropometric data was collected about height and weight. It was compared against National Center for Health Statistics [NCHS] standards. It was analysed using SPSS version 16 and Microsoft Excel 2010
Results: Out of total of 550 children, 46% [n=253] were males while 54% [297] were females. Mean weights of the children ranged from 11.6 to 19.3 kg [+/-1.9kg] and mean heights of different age groups ranged from 85.7 to 111.6 cm [+/-3.99 cm]. Height for age parameter shows that 88% [n=484] of children are within normal range. Weight for Age parameter shows that 82% [n=451] of children had normal weight for age; 14% [n=77] were underweight; 8% [n=44] of the children were wasted; while 8% [n=44] were stunted
Conclusion: The prevalence of childhood malnutrition was very low in the geographic area studied. Similar studies in other geographic areas are indicated to establish a complete regional nutritional profile