Predictors of malnutrition among Zahedan&;rsquo;s children age ranging from 2-5 years old in 2007-2008

Periodical evaluation of anthropometric indicators is one of the best methods for monitoring of children’s nutritional status and also is an appropriate information resource for the health system of the countries. The purpose of this study was assessing prevalence and predictors of three anthropometric indices underweight stunting and wasting among 2-5 year old Children in Zahedan 2007-2008. This deh1ive anatycal study was conducted on 1245 children (2-5 years old) in Zahedan 2007-2008. Samples were selected from 5 different districts in Zahedan. Data were collected using records and interviews with mothers. In this study wasting (weight for height) stunting (height for age) and underweight (weight for age) were evaluated based on Z score = -2.5. Data were analyzed using independent T-test ANOVA Chi square and linear logistic regression. In this study the prevalence of wasting stunting and underweighting were found as 4.2% 7.6% and 3.4% respectively. Univariate analysis showed that wasting had a significant relation with birth weight and birth interval. In addition stunting had relation with birth weight mothers’ educational level fathers’ job nutritional status infection history birth interval and mothers’ age. Underweight showed significant relation with sex birth weight nutritional status infection history birth interval and mothers’ age (P: