Psychiatric correlates of undernutrition in children aged 9-11 years in Port-Said city

ABSTRACT

Malnutrition with its behavioral, psychological and intellectual sequeale is a major health problem in developing countries. In this study, the prevalence of malnutrition in a representative sample of school-aged children [N=653] aged 9-11 years in Port-Said City was evaluated using the tenth percentile of the mean as the cut-off point for underweight and under height. The psychological status was assessed using the Johns Hopkins Depression Scale, behavioral problems using the Conners Parent-Teacher Hyperactivity Scale, and intellectual functioning using Mental Abilities Tests. Eighteen percent [N=117] were diagnosed as undernourished. Children, whether with chronic malnutrition or growth failure were significantly more likely to be depressed [P< 0.001], to have significantly more behavioral problems [P< 0.001] and to obtain lower ranges of I.Q compared to children with normal nutritional status. These results suggest that children with nutritional disadvantages who need nutritional rehabilitation should receive also psychiatric intervention