Malnutrition and some related factors in primary school children, Semnan, Iran.
BACKGROUND
Malnutrition places a direct and indirect burden on individuals, especially children and communities. Malnutrition or growth failure can occur because of various reasons. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of thinness, underweight, stunting, and their related factors in students aged 6-12 years in Semnan province, central Iran.


METHODS
Using multistage sampling, a total of 2195 primary students in Semnan province, between November 2012 and March 2013, were selected randomly and the prevalences of wasting, underweight, and stunting among the students were estimated. Students' weights were measured using a Burer digital scale (Germany), with an accuracy of 100 g. Students' heights were measured using a nonstretchable tape measure. The BMI was calculated. Using the CDC 2000 standards, values less than the fifth percentile of BMI, weight-for-age, and height-for-age were defined as thinness, underweight, and stunting, respectively.


RESULTS
In the total sample, 12.5, 9.2, and 9.0% of the students, respectively, were affected by thinness, underweight, and stunting. Lack of access to a computer increased the odds ratio (OR) of thinness by 1.38 times [OR=1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-1.78, P=0.015). Other variables (including age) did not show a significant association with the prevalence of thinness. Similarly, of all the variables studied, only access to a computer showed a significant association with the prevalence of underweight (OR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.02-1.84, P=0.036). The prevalence of stunting was associated significantly with a history of parasitic infection (OR=2.32, 95% CI: 1.53-3.51, P<0.001) and living in rural areas (OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.15-2.16, P=0.005).


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of malnutrition among students is high. Hence, families and stakeholders must pay special attention to various measures including healthcare services to improve the condition. Education, health, and support programs must be strengthened and continued.
aSocial Determinants of Health Research Center, Community Medicine Department, School of Medicine bMaternal and Children Health Department, School of Nursing and Medical Allied, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
Batool
B
Karimi
Raheb
R
Ghorbani
Mehri A
MA
Niaki
D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D000067576:Child Health; D003201:Computers; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000196:embryology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population; D012574:Schools; D013851:Thinness / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology*