The perception of immigrant Afghan women residing in Gonbad city in Iran regarding the relationship between nutrition and health of children under age 5

Malnutrition has great impact on morbidity and mortality of children under age five in the world. One of the factors impacting the quality of nutrition for children under age five is the perception of care givers regarding nutrition and health of children .The purpose of the study was to explore the perception of immigrant Afghan women residing in Gonbad city in Iran regarding the relationship between nutrition and health of children under age five. Twenty five immigrant Afghan women aged 15-45, were interviewed at their homes. The findings showed that Afghan women in Iran link the concept of nutrition to optimal growth, gaining weight, energy, cognitive development and less frequent illnesses. Participants mentioned malnutrition can lead to underweight, stunting and lack of energy in children. The participants perceived breastfeeding as the best nutritional source for children up to two years of age and are likely to initiate complementary food for children at age six months. Afghan Families tend to have several children and lack of knowledge of care givers may cause lack of adequate attention to nutritional needs of each child and the symptoms caused by malnutrition in children. The participant were most likely to take their children to health center in Iran up to two years of age and check up their optimal growth and vaccinations. Since doctor's visits take place in time of illnesses after two years of age. Malnourished children are more likely to be diagnosed and treated under age two, however after age two, children are less likely to be diagnosed among Afghan familis in Iran.