eographical Analysis of Malnutrition Diseases among Primary School Pupils in Erbil Governorate for the 2025–2026 Academic Year

Abstract

This study aims to assess the health and nutritional status of primary school pupils aged 6–14 years in Erbil Governorate during the 2025–2026 academic year, and to identify the spatial variations in malnutrition indicators, as well as the factors influencing their geographic distribution. The prevalence of malnutrition differs from one indicator to another across the governorate. Providing care for pupils and meeting their basic needs is essential to the progress and development of societies. Proper nutrition is the main foundation of their health, as pupils represent a large proportion of the population and constitute the fundamental pillar of society. Therefore, their dietary needs should be given careful attention throughout the different stages of growth in order to prevent future problems such as obesity, underweight, and wasting. The importance of this study lies in revealing facts related to the geographic distribution of affected pupils. A number of scientific approaches and methods were employed, including the descriptive and analytical methods, to highlight their variation and spatial distribution. The study found clear spatial variation in the distribution of affected pupils across the administrative units of Erbil Governorate. It also showed that the total number of affected pupils in the governorate reached 1,491. The study concluded with a set of findings and recommendations, the most important of which is strengthening the role of school health services through regular visits by medical staff, together with a school nutrition specialist, to supervise the food provided to pupils through the school canteen and ensure compliance with the nutritional standards set by health authorities, in order to prevent malnutrition-related diseases among pupils