Nutritional Status of Under-five Children in Libya: a National Population-based Survey

ABSTRACT

Aim: To describe the nutritional status of children under-five years of age in Libya. Population and methods: A secondary analysis of data of 5348 children taken from a national representative; two-stage; cluster-sample survey that was performed in 1995. Results: Prevalence rates of underweight; wasting; stunting; and overweight were determined using standard definitions in reference to newly established WHO growth charts. The study revealed that 4.3of children were underweight; 3.7wasted; 20.7stunted; and 16.2overweight. Seventy percent of children had normal weight. Undernutrition was more likely to be found in males; in rural areas; and in underprivileged groups. Overweight was more likely found in urban; privileged groups. Wasting was more common in arid regions; stunting was more common in mountainous regions of Al-Akhdar; Al-Gharbi; and in Sirt. Al-Akhdar had the highest prevalence of overweight.Conclusion: The country had a low prevalence of underweight and wasting; moderate prevalence of stunting; and high prevalence of overweight. The country is in the early stages of transition with evidence of dual-burden in some regions. Similar surveys are needed to verify secular trends of these nutritional problems; particularly overweight