Factors associated with health and nutritional status of children under two years old in a rural Area in Al Mahmoudia district, AL Beheira governorate

Abstract

Background: Egypt is well known as one of the thirty-six countries where most of the global burden of malnutrition is present. The aim of this work was to reveal the important socio-economic, environmental, and family behavioral factors accompanied by health as well as nutritional condition of children aged ˂ 2y in a rural area in Al-Mahmoudia district and to suggest appropriate interventions for improvement.Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 children with age< two years who attend the selected primary health care units with their mothers or home caregivers, were seeking vaccination during the period of the study. Readiness of mothers or home caregivers approval to participate in the study was essential. Results: Significant differences have been determined between age groups 0-6 months, 6-12 months and 1-2 y as per use of health services after labour and as per family income. There were significant differences between the included female and male children as per parent/Family behaviour also, there was a significant relation between mother marital status and weight for age. Conclusion: Age groups had significant relation with health services after labour and, family income. The included female and male children had significant relation as regard to per parent/Family behaviour. Mother occupation had significant relation with weight for age.