Prevalence and causes of malnutrition in seasonal agricultural workers' children under the age of five

Purpose: Children under the age of five are vulnerable to malnutrition, and those living in tents with seasonal agricultural workers are at an even greater risk. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic malnutrition and its associated factors in children of seasonal agricultural workers under the age of five. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on seasonal agricultural land in Adana, Turkey. Data were collected through questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Three logistic regression models (stunting, underweight and wasting) were adopted to identify nutritional risk factors. Results: The prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting among the study participants was 40.4%, 51.7% and 23.2%, respectively. Female gender, a history of diarrhoea, breastfeeding for less than six months and incomplete vaccination were found to be associated with an increased risk of stunting. A history of diarrhoea, lack of antenatal care, breastfeeding for less than six months and incomplete vaccination were found to be associated with being underweight. A history of diarrhoea and lack of antenatal care were associated with wasting. Conclusion: Based on these results, national healthcare services should promote improvements to the living and working conditions of agricultural workers with children under the age of five. Access to health services is important during the 0–5 age group, as growth and development must be closely monitored during this period. In addition to raising public awareness of this issue, health authorities must monitor the population at risk.