Evaluation of the nutrition status of locomotors handicaps in Jeddah

ABSTRACT

Less information is available on the nutritional status of disabled children in developing countries, the work aimed to assess the nutritional status of I's handicaps. The studied sample included one hundred forty four handicaps aged 2-23 years; the demographic data, anthropometric measurements and dietary information were collected. The results revealed that the mean weight and height for age groups l-<4y, 4-<7y and7-lly were normal. About a half of sample [47.2%] were illiterate. 34.7% from parent were consanguineous, while 100% of handicap's mother did not receive any drugs during pregnancy, for 47.2% of children the impairment occrued after delivery. The handicaps aged l-<3y take adequate energy and fat, [1542kcal/d, 37.3g/d respectively], but low consumption from iron [5.2mg/d]. While the children aged 4->7y consumed enough amount from all nutrient except energy, protein and vt. A, but children aged 7->11y also consumed enough amount from all nutrient except protein and vt. C, the male aged 11-<15y consumed low energy, fat vt. A and C [1187kcal, 39.5g, 220.5 micro, 18.2mg respectively], but the females in the same age intake adequate amount from all nutrients. The male aged 15-<19y intake a low vt. A [208.4 micro g] and C [31.5mg]. Male aged 19-23y consumed inadequate amount from energy, fat, vt. A and C and calcium 1819.2kcal, 36.9g, 96.5 micro g, 57.3mg and 192.3mg respectively while the female in the same age consumed adequate amount from all nutrient except iron which is 10.4mg/d. The results clear that food intake was imbalanced there fore, they needed much attention to improve their diet and having important way to develop eating practices by using special tools, cooking method to suitable their ability for Chewing and swallowing