Nutritional status comparison of rural with urban school children in Faisalabad District, Pakistan.
BACKGROUND
Health and nutrition problems are the result of unsatisfactory food intake or severe and repeated infections, or a combination of both, and are closely linked to inadequate health services and an unhealthy environment. In Pakistan, there is a significant difference in the economic status, life style and nutrition between urban and rural populations, and between male and female children. Such differences affect the health and nutritional status of children. This study was undertaken in order to assess the nutritional and growth status of male and female school-going children aged 6-12 years from rural and urban areas in Pakistan.


METHODS
Data were collected from male and female school-going children aged 6-12 years in and around Faisalabad, Pakistan. A total of 2042 children (853 male, 1189 female) were studied for being underweight, and for stunting and wasting. Of the males, 42.3% were from urban and 57.7% were from rural areas. Of the females, 72.7% were from urban and 27.3% were from rural areas.


RESULTS
A total of 36.1% children were stunted and 45.3% were underweight; 25.2% were below standard weight for height. Among the urban children, 33% were below the standard for height (stunted), and 32.3% were below the standard for weight (underweight); 32.7% were wasted. Of the rural children, 40.9% were stunted, 64.7% were underweight and 33.3% were wasted. The rural female group was the most affected and malnourished with 61.8% stunted and 84% underweight; 67.1% were wasted.


CONCLUSIONS
It is suggested that a comprehensive strategy be implemented in developing countries, especially Pakistan, in order to prevent infant and child under-nourishment. In addition to poverty alleviation, the underlying causes that work against food security, food safety, womens' education, safe water supply, sanitation and adequate health care must be addressed.
Anwer
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Anwer clinic, Faisalabad, Pakistan. dr_ijaz2002@yahoo.com
Awan
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