Nutritional status survey of preschool children in Kuwait

ABSTRACT

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