تقييم النمو البدني والحالة التغذوية لأطفال المدارس بمرحلة التعليم الابتدائي بمدينة مصراتة / ليبيا

ABSTRACT Nutritional disorders are a prevalent issue in both developing and developed societies, impacting growth and development during childhood. This study aimed to assess the physical growth and nutritional status of primary school children (7–12 years old) in Misrata, Libya, and determine the prevalence of malnutrition (underweight, obesity) and associated diseases. The sample included 374 children randomly selected from 8 schools. A questionnaire was used to collect data on dietary habits, alongside measurements of weight and height to calculate growth indicators (BMI, height/age, weight/age). Results revealed that 44% of the sample were overweight or obese, 28% exhibited stunting, and 13% suffered from diseases such as diabetes and anemia. The study identified a statistically significant relationship between dietary quality and body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.024), while the association between nutrition and disease prevalence was not statistically significant (P = 0.353). These findings highlight the necessity for nutritional awareness programs and health interventions to improve children’s health outcomes