LAUSR

The nutritional status of 645 male and 635 female preschool children in Kuwait was assessed. Mothers were interviewed to collect data on socioeconomic variables. The length/height and body weight of the children were recorded and haemoglobin concentration was determined. The results show that 11.5% of the boys and 9.9% of the girls were stunted;the prevalence of wasting was fairly similar in both sexes [10.1%-10.9%]. Obesity was more prevalent in girls [18.4%] than boys [16.1%]. Anaemia was more prevalent in boys [32.9%] than girls [25.8%]. Factors such as birth order, family income and mother’s education and employment were found to affect the prevalence of undernutrition