Iraqi national survey data on malnutrition and breastfeeding practices among children under five years of age
Tawfeek, H.I.; Salom, A.H.
Food and Nutrition Bulletin 22(1): 19-22
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0379-5721 DOI: 10.1177/156482650102200104Document Number: 265752
In a national nutrition survey conducted in Iraq during 1992-94, anthropometric measurements were obtained from 3616 children under five years of age. Wasting was found in 10.8% and stunting in 21%. The nutritional status of children was worse in southern Iraq than in Baghdad. Although classical nutritional diseases disappeared from the country many years ago, the survey found signs of marasmus in 17.5% of the children and kwashiorkor in 0.3%. Iodine-deficiency disorders and anaemia were also public health problems. Information on infant feeding practices was gained from mothers by direct interview. Wasting was much more frequent among formula-fed children than among breastfed children (49.3% vs 28.9%, P<0.01). Less than 60% of the latter were exclusively breastfed during the first four months of life. Iraqi women are in great need of breastfeeding-promotion programmes. Well-planned health and nutritional intervention programmes for children under five years of age are also essential.