IPROC iproc Iproceedings 2369-6893 JMIR Publications Toronto, Canada v4i1e10563 10.2196/10563 Abstract Abstract Malnutrition Among Under Five Children in Iraq, 2002 - 2016 Khader Yousef Malik Hasanein Lami F Corresponding Author: Hasanein Malik drhasanein@yahoo.com Jan-Dec2018 29 03 2018 4 1 e10563 29 3 2018 29 3 2018 ©Hasanein Malik, F Lami. Originally published in Iproceedings (http://www.iproc.org), 29.03.2018. 2018

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 Background

In Iraq, the long-standing war and civil unrest had negatively affected food security, water quality, sanitation and environmental conditions that contributed to decline in the nutritional and health status of children.

 Objective

The objective of this study is to assess the trend of different types of malnutrition among <5years children in Iraq, 2002-2016.

 Methods

We used data from four Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS 2, 3, 4 and 5). Three WHO malnutrition indicators were assessed: stunted growth (z-score of height for age= -2.01), underweight (z-score of weight for age=-2.01) and wasting (z-score of weight for height= -2.01).

 Results

The prevalence of stunting decreased from 24.2% in 2002 to 16.6% in 2016. Severe stunting was 8.7% in 2002 and 6.7% in 2016. Male: female ratio was 1:1 in 2002 and 1:1.3 in 2016. The highest prevalence was among children aged 12-23 months in 2002 (28.9%) and among those aged 48-59 months (30.1%) in 2016. The prevalence of underweight decreased from 16.9% in 2002 to 5.9% in 2016. Severe underweight was 2.7% in 2002 and 1.7% in 2016. Male: female ratio was 1.1:1 in 2002 and 1.4:1 in 2016. The highest prevalence was among children aged 12-23 months in 2002 (24.4%), while in 2016, it was among children aged 0-11 months (24.8%). The prevalence of wasting had slightly increased from 7.3% in 2002 to 7.8% in 2016. Male: female ratio was 1.2:1 in 2002 and 1.3:1 in 2016. The highest prevalence was among children aged 12-23 months in 2002 (10.0%), while in 2016, it was among children aged 0-11 months (13.0%).

 Conclusions

In spite of the tremendous challenges that faced Iraq during 2002-2016, the decline in the prevalence of stunting and underweight reflects better-provided health services. All types of malnutrition are still there and intensified multidisciplinary efforts are recommended.