NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN IN MENOUFIA GOVERNORATE (SHEBIN EL-KOM

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the nutritional status of various handicapped children in Menoufia Governorate. All handicapped children were chosen from Hope and Light institutes at Shibin EL Kom. The studied sample included (140) primary school children of both sexes (boys, girls) their handicaps were blind or deaf-mute. The age of the children ranged from 7 to 12 years. The following data were collected:

1-Socio-economic data such as age, birth order, family size parent's education and occupation, monthly income and causes of handicap. 2-Anthropometric measurements i.e. weight, height, arm

circumference and triceps skinfold thickness were obtained.

3-Dietary data which included dietary intake through observation of food intake for "5" days ; evaluation of menus offered at school and finally recognition of food habits. 4-Teacher questionnaire about behavior and scholastic achievement

of children.

5- Mother awareness of nutrition.

The results of the present study were as following:

* Socio-economic status:

It was found that 49% of the sample's fathers were able to read and write. However, illiteracy among fathers of the students was 31%, and among mothers were 69%. About 40% of the student's fathers were farmer, and 25% were workers. Regarding mother's work about 88% of the sample's mothers were house wives.