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Journal of Tropical Pediatrics Advance Access originally published online on July 26, 2006
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics 2006 52(6):421-426; doi:10.1093/tropej/fml031
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© The Author [2006]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org

Is Undernutrition a Problem among Turkish School Children?: Which Factors have an Influence on It?

Emel Güra, Günay Canb, Semra Akkusa, Gökmen Ercana, Ahmet Arvasa, Sima Güzelözc and Serdar Çifçilic

aDepartment of Pediatrics, Cerrahpasa Medical School, University of Istanbul, Turkey
bDepartment of Public Health, Cerrahpasa Medical School, University of Istanbul, Turkey
cAyhan Sahenk Foundation, Ayazaga, Instanbul, Turkey

Correspondence: Emel Gür, Caferaga Mah. Safa Sok. No: 13, Oskay Ap, Daire:5 Kadiköy, Istanbul, Turkey. E-mail < egur{at}istanbul.edu.tr>.


  Abstract

Undernutrition is a frequent manifestation and an important health problem. The aim of this study was to analyse the variables of nutritional status among primary school children and to determine the risk factors associated with it.

The study group was composed of 1576 students between 6 and 16 years of age. The prevalence of stunting, underweight, wasting were calculated according to WHO recommended cut-off points to define undernutrition. Chi-square tests, logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the relationship between the prevalence of undernutrition and the sociodemographic factors.

The overall prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting were found as 5.7, 4.6 and 1.0%, respectively. There were significant relationships between underweight and age, sex, number of family members, monthly family income. But, a significant correlation was found only between stunting and age. No correlation was found between wasting and sociodemographic factors.

Undernutrition is still a common problem among primary school children in Istanbul. Identification of risk factors is essential for prevention of undernutrition.

Key Words: undernutrition • underweight • stunting • wasting • sociodemographic factors


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