الفهرس 
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Abstract
According to the conceptual framework formulated by UNICEF of the causes of malnutrition, nutrition intake and diseases are the direct determinant of child survival, growth and development.
Pattern of infant feeding, as mentioned above, can have a major effect on the nutritional status, health and growth of a child. Therefore, a first step towards understanding malnutrition and infant health in a particular community is to have a through knowledge of the beliefs and practices associated with the infant feeding in that community.
Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess nutritional status of children from 3 to 6 years and explore possible related factors. Specific objectives were to study feeding pattern of children aged from 3-6 years, compare weight and height for age & sex of the studied children with WHO reference tables, and relate weight and height differences with socio-demographic characteristics of the parents of studied children.
The present study is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in governmental and private nurseries in Cairo governorate. Random sample of 500 children aged from 3 to 6 years. Direct, face-to-face interview questionnaire was done. The questionnaire included the following sections namely socio-demographic characteristics of studied subjects and dietary assessment of the children. Anthropometric measurements (namely; weight, height, triceps skin fold thickness and mid arm circumference) were measured for studied children Data analysis revealed that Almost all studied mother (92%) ever breastfed their children.
Baby formula was given to (30%) of studied children.
The prevalence of stunting (Height-age Z score < -2) was (32.6%) of studied children, while underweight (Weight-age Z score < -2) was (17.8%). On the other hand percent of obesity (Weight-Height Z score > +2) was (15%).
Mother illiteracy don’t increase prevalence of Height-age Z score < -2 (P=0.000) and significantly don’t increase Weight-age Z score < - 2 (p=0.000). Same for father illiteracy which was significant (p=0.000) in both Weight-age and Height-age.
Obesity in a child of high class families is highly significant (p=0.000).
Also obesity is prominent in families have less than 5 persons rather than have more than 5 which is statistically has a significant difference (p=0.000).
It also found that with high education of the child parents increase percentage of obesity which statistically has high significant difference (p=0.000).
stunting is more in 1st and 2nd child and in families which have less than 5 persons and also in middle socio-economic class which statistically has high significant difference (p=0.001).
wasting is more in 1st and 2nd child and in families which have less than 5 persons and also in middle socio-economic class which statistically has high significant difference (p=0.000).< 25.6% of studied children were suffer from anemia (p=0.328).
Regarding to daily caloric intake below 50%, (19.8%) of females while (18.2%) of males which is unsafe level of consumption. While males are equal females regarding to adequate level of consumption ≥ 100-120% which is statistically insignificant.
The majority of males (96%) and females (92.1%) take > 120% of RDA of proteins which is highly significant (p=0.000).
Regarding to RDA of macro minerals like calcium it was found that one third of males consume less than 50% of daily requirements and about (13.8%) which reach to acceptable level of consumption the lower is the females about half of them consume below than 50% of RDA of calcium and just (4%) who intake acceptable level of consumption this all is highly significant (p=0.000).
Regarding to RDA of some micro minerals like iron, about (20.2%) of males and (17.8%) of females consume lower than 50% of RDA while (13.8%) of males and (7.9%) of females take normal level of consumption which is highly significant (p=0.000).
Regarding to CHO intake, (33.6%) of males and (43.5%) of females consumes below 55% of total caloric intake and about half of children reach to recommended daily intake form 55% to 70% which statistically insignificant.
Regarding to fat intake, (60.3%) of males and (58.5%) of females consumes below 20% of total calories and (30%) of males and (37.5%) of females consumes more than 30% of total caloric intake which statistically insignificant Finally in the view of the findings of the present study we recommended that involvement of detailed information about optimal feeding practices in the curriculum of medical and paramedical students to be capable of health educating mothers about these optimal practice, proper ANC to avoid low birth weight, elimination of parent illiteracy and increasing level of education and implementation of effective family planning program.