6042 Nutritional status assessment of children in Tripoli-Libya

Objectives Data on nutritional status in different age groups in Libya is limited. Such data is greatly needed in order to assess the present situation and for use as baseline data in the planning and evaluation of intervention programmes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status of primary school children (age 6–12 years) using the WHO references Methods the present cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 on children in the age group of 6–12 years. They were recruited from 6 primary schools in Tripoli (including 6 Municipalities: Tripoli Center, Souq al Jumaa, Tajoura, Abu Salim, Ain Zara and Hai Alandalus) within about 50 days (during March and April 2022). Anthropometrics measurements were taken by well trained staff. Height and weight were measured in centimetres and kilograms, respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. All measurements were compared with WHO references. Results Anthropometric measurements were available for 1967 children from six schools. About 11% was below -2 SD (3rd – stunted). The prevalence of overweight and obese was 28% and about 12% of children were underweight. The results are summarised in table 1. Conclusion Anthropometric assessment indicates malnutrition is a problem among children (6–12 years) of Tripoli.