Nutritional status of preschool children attending day care centres in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

The nutritional status of 246 preschool children aged 2-5 years attending day care centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was assessed by anthropometric measurements. Data revealed that children were retarded in their physical growth compared with the reference standard measurements. Wasting [acute under nutrition] was highest [10.4%] at 2 years of age, while stunting [chronic under nutrition] was highest [32.3%] at 4 years of age. Mild-moderate under nutrition ranged between 42.2% and 53.7% being highest at the age of 2 years. No cases with severe under nutrition were encountered