Prevalance and Factors Affecting Malnutrition In 0-24 Months Age Groups In Rural Turkey

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalance of malnutrition, leading causes of malnutrition, and the relation betvveen infections diseases and malnutrition among the children betvveen 0-24 months of age. The study was carried out in Kışlacık. Yiğitli and Akyurt Health Centre areas, Çubuk Research and Training Health District attached to the Hacettepe University. The study is based on data collected in connection with the research on «Risk Approach in Matemal and Child Health» designed by the Institute of Public Health. Ali 0-24 months age group children of the research area were included in the study. Data analysıs were done according to the last follow - up findings of 763 children. By weight standards as recommended by the WHO, the malnutrition rate was found to be 30.5 Malnutrition was more frequent in girls than in the boys. The prevalance of malnutrition seem to increase by mother’s age, number of pregnancies, number of siblings and short birth interval. The outcome of the previous pregnancy as stili birth oı abortus is also effecting the prevalance of malnutrition; these factors decrease the prevalance. Low educational level of parents and low economic condition were also found to be leading factors in malnutrition. In addition, the infection rate was higher in malnourished children compared to ones with normal weight.