Behavioral Neurosciences and Nutritional Health Unit, Nutrition and Health Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Ibn Tofail, BP 133 14000 Kenitra, Morocco.
Pan Afr Med J. 2021 Apr 15;38:374. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2021.38.374.10008. eCollection 2021.
the problem of malnutrition among children is a phenomenon associated with a rapid nutrition transition in Morocco and all developing countries. The objective of this study is to evaluate the nutritional status by anthropometry, food consumption and iron deficiency anemia among primary school children aged 6-12 years in Kenitra city (Morocco).
the survey covered 271 students (55% of boys and 45% girls) aged 6 to 12. Information concerning food consumption patterns, socioeconomic status and other lifestyle factors was obtained using questionnaires and interviews. Anemia was defined when haemoglobin < 11.5 g/dl.
the results showed that, 6.3%, 2.2% and 17.3% children were stunted, thin and overweight respectively. No significant association was found between gender and nutritional status of children. 16.2% children were anemic and food consumption found not to be varied and below recommendations.
the finding in this study showed that overweight and obesity occurred more frequently than the various forms of under nutrition in the population studied. The finding support the urgent need to improve the nutritional status of children by implementing preventive strategy for the problem of malnutrition among school-aged children.
儿童营养不良问题是摩洛哥和所有发展中国家快速营养转型过程中出现的一个现象。本研究的目的是评估肯尼特拉市（摩洛哥）6-12 岁小学生的营养状况，评估方法为人体测量法、食物消费和缺铁性贫血。
该调查涵盖了 271 名学生（55%为男生，45%为女生），年龄在 6 至 12 岁之间。使用问卷和访谈获取有关食物消费模式、社会经济状况和其他生活方式因素的信息。当血红蛋白<11.5g/dl 时，定义为贫血。
结果表明，6.3%、2.2%和 17.3%的儿童分别存在发育迟缓、消瘦和超重的情况。性别与儿童营养状况之间无显著相关性。16.2%的儿童贫血，食物消费不丰富且低于推荐量。
本研究发现，超重和肥胖的发生率高于研究人群中各种形式的营养不良。研究结果支持迫切需要通过实施针对学龄儿童营养不良问题的预防策略来改善儿童的营养状况。
