Investigating Growth Disorders in Elementary School Children in Zahedan City

Abstract

Background: Proper growth during childhood is a critical indicator of overall public health. In Zahedan, emerging evidence suggests that growth disorders — including short stature and undernutrition — are increasingly observed among elementary school children, potentially reflecting underlying socioeconomic disparities and nutritional challenges. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of growth disorders in elementary school children in Zahedan and to examine the association between family economic status, school feeding programs, and growth outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed among elementary school students in Zahedan. Anthropometric data (height and weight) were collected using standardized techniques. Socioeconomic information was gathered via parent-reported questionnaires. The impact of school nutrition — assessing both the frequency and quality of school-provided meals — alongside family income and other related factors, was analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: The findings revealed that children from lower-income families were significantly more prone to growth disorders, particularly short stature and undernutrition. Moreover, regular access to high-quality school meals was positively associated with improved growth indices, suggesting a protective effect against growth impairments. Notably, while maternal employment did not show a significant influence on growth outcomes, household income and home nutrition quality emerged as key determinants. Conclusions: The study underscores the critical role of socioeconomic factors and effective school feeding programs in ensuring healthy growth among elementary school children in Zahedan. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions and supportive policies — such as enhancing school nutrition quality and providing economic assistance to low-income families — to mitigate growth disorders and promote better health outcomes in this vulnerable population.