| Little is known about the nutritional status of urban refugees. This study assesses the prevalence of malnutrition in a sample of refugee children in Cairo and analyses associations between growth indicators and their determinants. This cross-sectional study surveyed a sample of African refugee children (n=201) under two years of age. In home interviews, height and weight were measured and maternal and household characteristics, handwashing and breastfeeding practices and recent child illness were assessed. In this sample, 13% of refugee children were stunted, 4% were underweight and 8% were wasted. Multivariate analysis revealed that growth was independently and positively associated with having a flush toilet, good handwashing practices, and not recently having fever. Older children were significantly smaller than reference children of the same age, but child age was not associated with malnutrition. Further monitoring and assessment of long-term growth and development of refugee children in Cairo is required. Good child care practices should be promoted in the community. |
