Title : Syrian children growth, health awareness and nutritional practices under the impact of the crisis and COVID-19 epidemic
Abstract:
Despite the great steadfastness that Syria has achieved in the face of more than a decade of stifling crisis followed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the heavy impacts of these long rough years are certain and crucial on the health and nutrition levels, specially on vulnerable groups like women and children. Moreover, the lack of research and data on health and nutritional status of children within Syria makes it very difficult to draw conclusions and act effectively. the purpose of the current study was to evaluate growth development and give an insight about the public health awareness and nutritional practices among Syrian primary schools children. A cross-sectional study was conducted among private and public primary schools students aged 6 to 9 years old in Homs governorate in January to April 2021, anthropometric measures were taken and data about nutritional practices and health awareness were assessment by conducting two surveys answered by parents and students.
Analyses indicated the prevalence of obesity to be (5.3%, 8.2%), severely wasted (3.9%, 5.2%) and stunting (15.7%, 7.8%) for public and private schools respectively with a significant higher stunting prevalence among public schools student. Differences in nutritional practices and health awareness were recorded between public and private schools students under socioeconomic impact. This study contributes to evaluate the burden of crisis and COVID-19 pandemic on Syrian children growth and health practices in Syria. Improving health awareness and nutritional support among Syrian families to help children meet their growth needs is recommended. Moreover, additional research should be conducted to evaluate micro-nutrients deficiencies and provide appropriate medical support effectively.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- There is a crucial lack of research and data on health and nutritional status of children within Syria.
- This manuscript will contribute to improve understanding of the risks and impacts of COVID-19 to crisis-affected populations specially vulnerable groups like children.
- This study contributes to evaluate the burden of crisis and COVID-19 pandemic on Syrian children growth and health practices in Syria.
- Our results defines a critical level of stunting among primary school children.
- Actions must be taken effectively to rise health conscious between parents and family members. This whole generation born and grew up under crisis lesion needs to join hands and make a great efforts to rehabilitate on the educational, health and living levels.
- It is necessary to provide facilities and financial and technical support for health and community research to provide a better picture of the health reality, which helps in determining the most effective measures to raise health awareness and improve the nutritional status of Syrian children.
- Schools constitute an important platform for providing health and nutritional support to children and their families. It is important and useful to have a growth monitoring department under the supervision of a nutritionist and health specialists to monitor the growth of children periodically, which provides data that helps in assessing the health and nutritional status and facilitates individual assistance when necessary.
