A cross sectional study: the prevalence of malnutrition and its related risk factors in a group of syrian children aged (≥1-<5) years living in Turkey

This study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of a group of Syrian children living in Turkey, define the proportion of malnourished children and the distribution of each type and finally understand the risk factors related to children malnutrition. Sample size with CI 95%, was calculated with the formula: N= 1.962 * (0.10) * 0.9 / 0.042 =216, but we were able to reach 256 child. A questionnaire done by using google forms was distrubeted online. The questionnaire consists of questions about factors related to malnutrition. Child height and weight was measured to the nearest 0.1 cm / 0.1 kg respectively. Data was entered into SPSS. BMI "body mass index" equation, WHO "World Health Organization" growth charts, chi-square test were used to analyze it. 51.6 % of the sample was malnourished. Overnutrition was the most common type (22.7%) followed by stunting (18%), wasting (8.2%) and finally underweight (2.7%). Mother occupation (working) was significantly associated with underweight (p=0.000). Marital status as having separated or divorced mother was significantly associated with wasting (0.003) & underweight (p=0.000). In conclusion, malnutrition is a considerable public health problem as it is one of the most stringent issues that obstruct children development. Many factors are causing this problem. In our thesis we were able to study some of these. We were able to take a general look on the situation, but as no enough studies are held on the same population more studies should be held taking on consideration the different layers of the Syrian population living in Turkey.