[Investigation on the nutrition and growth status of children aged 6-23 months in Yingyangbao used area of middle part in China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the nutritional and growth status of Yingyangbao used population in middle region of China. METHODS: Infants and young children were selected from Anhui, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi and Shanxi Provinces by multistage sampling, probability proportional to size sampling and random equidistant sampling method. There were 8245 infants and young children involved in this survey. The children were surveyed by questionnaire and their body length, body weight and hemoglobin were measured to reveal the growth and anemia status. RESULTS: Among the surveyed population, the stunting rate was 5. 9%, the wasting rate was 2. 6%, and the underweight rate was 3. 4%. The total anemia prevalence was 20. 2%, while mild anemia rate was 19. 1%, moderate anemia rate was 1. 1%, severe anemia was not seen. The rate of effective utilization of Yingyangbao was 73. 7%, which showed increase tendency with age. CONCLUSION: The intervention of Yingyangbao could contribute to the improvement of infant malnutrition and anemia, and promote the physical development. Therefore, Yingyangbao is worthy of continuous promotion in this area.