A nutritional study of children with hearing and visual impairments in Lebanon

This study was set up to investigate the nutritional status of children with hearing and visual impairments and to identify factors related to this nutritional status. A population-hased survey was conducted to identify children with hearing and visual impairment aged 6–10 years attending schools for children with disabilities or residing in institutions that care for them throughout Lebanon [n = 185 children). Two comparison groups of age and sex-matched children in public and private schools in the same neighbourhood of the disabled children were also selected (n = 370 children). Anthropometric measurements (height and weight) were taken as well as data on determinants of nutritional status such as father's occupation, disability type, institutionalization status, and mental well-being. Results showed that children with sensory disabilities came from lower social classes, had more siblings, and displayed more aggressive behaviour. Anthropometric measurements showed that children with sensory disabilities were a nutritionally disadvantaged group with regard to their peers and to the US NCHS reference population, and that living within an institution was a major determinant of poor nutritional status. Intervention strategies in this regard are called for.