Abstract
The present community-based study of 2,700 children in three governorates of Upper Egypt revealed that stunting was present among 35.7% of the total sample. It was more prevalent in Menia (39.4%), followed by Assiut (38%), and Sohag (29.9%) governorates. Underweight was observed in 30.4% of all pre-schoolers (Menia 28.6%, Sohag 27.1%, and Assiut 25.7%). The prevalence of wasting in the whole sample was 9.2% (Assiut 10.8%, Sohag 9.3%, and Menia 7.6%). Protein–energy malnutrition (PEM) was usually higher in rural than in urban sites and higher in girls than in boys, with the second year of life showing the highest prevalence. Low socioeconomic level and high morbidity load were associated with increased risk of all PEM indicators. Integrated programmes are needed to improve socio-economic conditions and infant-feeding practices.