| چکیده | Short stature and main food groups intake in Iranian mentally retarded, blind and deaf children Nachvak SM 1, Moradi Sh 2 *, Mostafai R2 1. Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran 2.MSc student in nutrition, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah , Iran * Corresponding Author: E-mail: shimamoradi21@yahoo.com Abstract Introduction: A developmental disability is defined as a severe chronic disability that is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments. Numerous studies have shown biochemical and metabolic abnormalities in individuals with developmental disability. However, many have involved small samples and were difficult to interpret. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of short stature and main food groups intake in a sample of Iranian mentally retarded, blind and deaf children. Methods: This study was carried out as cross-sectional, on 457 exceptional children 5-15 years-old in Tehran. Frequency of consumption of main food groups by children were recorded by interview with the children’s parents and data of the height was collected by using standard tools. Results: 71.7% of mentally retarded students, 36.6% of deaf students and 17.7% blind students were short stature in comparison with the standard. There was a significant association between consumption frequency of milk (P <0.024) and vegetables (P <0.266) with children's height, but there was Not any significant association between the consumption frequency of fruit and height (P <0.266). Conclusion: According to the prevalence of stunting among mentally retarded children and its association with nutrition status, can find nutritional needs of this groups of disable people through obtain more accurate information about nutritional status and anthropometric indices and design nutritional programs based on their nutritional needs. Keywords: exceptional children, stunting, consumption frequency |