Failure to thrive among asylum‐seeking children: A descriptive study from Turkey

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the study was to determine failure to thrive among asylum‐seeking children.DesignThe study was a descriptive study.SampleThe sample of the study comprised of 187 children who were registered in an Afghan Association. The power of the study was found to be 97% at 0.5% (moderate) effect size and 95% confidence level.MeasurementsThe data was collected between November 8, 2021 and January 10, 2022 using a sociodemographic form and the children's anthropometric measurement.Results57.2% of children were male and 44.9% were 6–12 years old. It was determined that female and male infants less than 1 year of age were underweight (z‐score = −2) and male infants were stunting (z‐score ≤−1).ConclusionsChildhood growth and development problems are significant issues among asylum‐seeking families. Public health nurses need to develop their roles in organizing the healthcare service for vulnerable and underrepresented groups.