ABSTRACT:
Background: Malnutrition in children under five years of age is high priority public health problem especially in middle and low income countries including Iraq, it is associated with high morbidity and mortality among infants and young children Objectives: To identify the prevalence and the correlates of under nutrition (underweight, stunting and wasting) among children under 5 years of age living in Babylon province, Iraq. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted, to collect primary information from mothers of1000 children attending ten randomly selected primary health care centers (five rural and five urban centers) in Babylon province during the period from January through June 2016, a scientific questionnaire, anthropometric measurements (weight for age, length/height for age and weight for height), were used to assess the nutritional status of the child. Results: The study revealed that the prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting were 7.6%, 20.6%, and 6.6% respectively. Significant statistical associations were found between all types of under nutrition indicators and the following independent variables p<0.05; age, (gender, more common in boys), low level of mother education, types of breast feeding and family income. Conclusion: The study concluded that chronic malnutrition in the study area is still a concern that needs timely intervention by governmental and non-governmental organizations. We conclude that improvements in child feeding, and better maternal education are needed to maintain the children's nutritional status.