Nutritional Disorders In Children Of Internally Displaced People

Abstract

Objective: To access the nutritional status of preschool children of internally displaced families, and to compare with the WHO growth standards. Methology: This descriptive (Observational) cross sectional study was carried out by the Department of Pediatric Hamdard College of Medicine Karachi Hamdard University supported two camps for Internally displaced people due to floods in interior of Sind. Seven hundred and fifty families were registered in the camps located at Manghopir Degree College for boys, with 1155 preschool children. Anthropometric data of all preschool children was collected on predesigned performa. weights, height were recorded to access the nutritional status of these children, using WHO growth standard charts. The result were analyzed on SPSS 15. Results: 750 families were registered with 1155 preschool children, average family size was6.6 (Parents and children) male to female ratio was 922/1000. The study group was evenly distributed with sample size varying from 213 to 274 in each age group. There were 18.4% children between 13 to 24 months. 19.52 % children between 25 to 36 months. 18.2 % between 37 to 48 months. 20.1 % children between 49 to 60 months The height and weight were plotted on WHO growth standard charts, the height and weight of children studied were lower than the 3^rd centile of WHO growth standard charts. Conclusion: Malnutrition in children displaced from flood is alarming, all children studied were below 3 rd centile of WHO growth standard charts, these children not only needs emergency nutritional rehabilitation, but also needs long term rehabilitation plans.