The nutritional status of children of displaced families in Beirut.
The nutritional status of children of displaced families in Greater Beirut was investigated in 1986 (a sample of 146 households) and in 1991 (137 households). Data on demographic variables, nutrient intake (calories, protein, and iron), and anthropometric measurements were collected. Iron intake was only 50-57% of the RDA for the 1-3 age group, and 35.6% and 32.0% of all children consumed < 60% of the RDA for iron in 1986 and 1991, respectively. Main sources of protein were dairy products, milk and eggs. The lower nutrient intake in 1991 compared to 1986 was negatively related to social class. Anthropometric measurements showed an increased past and recent undernutrition of the children in 1991 as compared to both the 1986 child sample and the NCHS standard child population. Severe inflation and marked increase in food prices were reflected in dietary intake and growth of the children. Food aid programmes, government subsidy of bread, and partial wage correction were possible stabilizing factors for the most destitute groups but not for the total population of displaced children.
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
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D000886:Anthropometry; D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004032:Diet; D004435:Eating; D005190:Family; D005502:Food / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007250:Inflation, Economic; D007861:Lebanon; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012036:Refugees