Double burden of nutritional disorders in young Iranian children: findings of a nationwide screening survey

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the national prevalence of short stature, underweight, overweight and obesity in 6-year-old Iranian children before school entry.DesignCross-sectional nationwide survey.SettingMandatory national screening programme before entrance to elementary school in 2008 in Iran.SubjectsAll Iranian children entering public and private elementary schools.ResultsThe study population comprised 862 433 children (48·4 % girls, 77·2 % urban resident). Overall, 6·5 % of children had short stature, 19·1 % were underweight, 12·8 % were overweight and 3·4 % were obese. There was no significant difference in terms of gender, but considerably larger differences were documented among various provinces.ConclusionsThe double burden of nutritional disorders among young children warrants a multi-faceted national policy with evidence-based local programmes. Such planning needs a comprehensive surveillance system and centralized data registry for children’s growth.