Evaluation of some demographic characteristics of mothers with malnourished children at Tikrit city

Abstract

Malnutrition is a condition in which an individual’s diet does not provide the  nutrients  required  for  healthy  functioning.  It  encompasses  both undernutrition and overnutrition. This study evaluates the demographic characteristics of mothers with malnourished children under five years old in Tikrit City, Iraq. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 651 mothers, with data collected from January to May 2024. The study assessed  the  impact  of  various  sociodemographic  factors,  including maternal education, socioeconomic status, marital status, occupation, and residential area on the nutritional status of children. Results revealed that malnutrition rates were higher among children whose mothers had lower education levels, were from low socioeconomic backgrounds, or lived in rural  areas.  Anthropometric  measurements,  including  weight-for-age, height-for-age, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), were used to classify malnutrition according to the Waterlow and WHO criteria. The findings concluded significant associations between maternal education, socioeconomic status, and occupation with child malnutrition. Addressing these disparities through targeted interventions is essential to improve child health outcomes in the region.