Nutritional Status of Working Children as a Neglected Group in Kermanshah

Introduction: Working at an early age can have adverse consequences on health. Working children due to their occupational hazards are at risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases such as malnutrition, anemia and growth retardation. This study aimed to determine the nutritional status and prevalence of anemia in working and non-working children. Material and Methods: This case-control study was carried out as cross-sectional, on 90 working and 90 non-working 8-18 year-old boys in Kermanshah. The data gathering tools were demographic and food frequency questionnaires (FFQ). Anthropometric parameters were measured using standard tools. 5 ml blood for blood biomarkers test was collected from the participants. Results: Average height and weight of the working children were respectively 3.7 cm and 5.7 kg less than of those of the non-working children (P = 0.02). Prevalence of iron deficiency in working children was more than double in non-working children (28% vs 11.3%, P = 0.01). Hemoglobin concentration in working children was significantly less than that in non-working children (p=0.05). Except for bread and cereals, the working children’s consumption of all food groups was significantly less than that of non-working children (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Working children are at the risk of developing anemia and malnutrition so they need emergency nutritional supports.