Factors that Affect the Nutritional Status of Children Aged 9-18 Months in East Jerusalem

In an attempt to assess the factors that might affect the children’s nutritional status in East Jerusalem, a descriptive, cross- sectional study was conducted in 5 clinics: United Nation Refugees and Work Agency (UNRWA) the clinics of Zaweyeh and Shufat, Makassed Islamic Charitable Society, Palestinian Red Crescent Society and Spafford Children Center. Mothers of 300 males and females ages (9-18) months, who attended the clinics were interviewed. Also anthropometric measurements were used to assess the nutritional status of children, while face-to-face interview were conducted with the mothers to assess attitudes and practices. Data was collected by a team of 12 field workers between the period of July to August 2003. Major results showed that 41.4% of the assessed children were anemic, 8.5% were wasted and 14.2% were stunted. It was also found that anemia was significantly higher among females (42.3%) than males (41.2%). Moreover, 9.6% of the assessed children were of low-weight for their age. Briefly, findings of this study showed that malnutrition (Anemia, lowweight, stunting, wasting) was considered a serious health problem in the early age. So stressing on health education program, within the community, and developing surveillance system in order to assess the hemoglobin status of children are recommended with more focus on nutrition educational sessions mainly for mothers.