Nutrient intakes and adequacy among preschool children under blockade in Gaza City, Palestine

Abstract

Background: After 13 years of blockade and closure, malnutrition has become a significant risk to the health of Gaza’s youngest residents. According to recent national surveys, Palestinians are facing a double burden of malnutrition and very low levels of essential minerals and vitamins. Aims: The aims of this study were to assess nutrient intake adequacy among preschool children and to estimate the dietary and nutrient intake deficiency in the Gaza Strip. Methods: This cross-sectional, community-based, household survey was carried out in Gaza using 24-hour dietary recall to assess nutrient intake and adequacy among 176 children aged 2–5 years. Results: Based on the nutrient deficiency for dietary intake [< 75% recommended dietary allowance (RDA)], energy shows the highest level of deficiency (89.8%) in the diet among the studied children followed by vitamin A intake (86.9%). About three quarters (73.3%) of the children studied consumed less than the RDA for calcium and 47.2% consumed less than the RDA for iron. Approximately 20% of the children consumed less than the RDA level of dietary intake for carbohydrate and 17% for zinc. Conclusion: Nutrient intake among preschoolers in the Gaza Strip shows a dramatic deterioration in macro- and micronutrient deficiency, especially in rural areas. Although the findings in this study are in line with previous reports, it revealed greater deterioration than previous local studies.