The study investigated the effect of staple-based mungbean diets on the physical and biochemical characteristics of school children (5-12 years) in selected orphanage homes in Imo State. Experimental research design was employed. Five (5) government approved homes were purposively selected, and a total of 95 subjects randomly sampled to the experimental (50) and control (45) groups across the homes. Staple-based mungbean diets replaced one of the daily three square meals of subjects in the experimental groups for a period of six months. After intervention, Body Mass Index of male (16.7 Kg/m 2 to 16.4 Kg/m 2) and female (17.5 Kg/m 2 to 16.9 Kg/m 2) subjects in the experimental groups reduced while Body Mass Index of male (17.8 Kg/m 2 to 18.7Kg/m 2) and female (15.9Kg/m 2 to 16.8 Kg/m 2) subjects in the control groups slightly increased, though not significant (p<0.05). Generally, biochemical characteristics of subjects in the experimental and control groups improved after six months. Significant (p<0.05) improvement was observed in the hemoglobin (6.7%), serum iron (29.8%) and TIBC (4.3%) of subjects in the experimental group, while the improvement observed in the hemoglobin (2.8%), serum iron (10.9%), and TIBC (1.1%) levels of subjects in the control group were not significant. Serum zinc level of subjects in the experimental (43.2%) and control (12.9%) groups significantly improved and clinical signs (skin rashes) significantly reduced (100%). It could be concluded that staple-based mungbean diets probably improved the physical and biochemical characteristics of school children studied. Therefore, are recommended for the feeding of growing children especially the school aged (5-12 years).

Globally, the practice of exclusive breastfeeding has been recognized as an important public health strategy for reducing infant and child morbidity and mortality. While studies have shown that many newborns in Nigeria are still fed with something other than breast milk despite the numerous health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, there is little information on why the practice of exclusive breastfeeding is low among the educated. This study therefore assessed the practices of exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers in tertiary institutions in Imo State. Mixed research design and multi-stage sampling method were used for this study. For the quantitative data, 912 copies of questionnaire were administered and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while 20 in-depth interviews were conducted for the qualitative data and analyzed using content analysis method. It was found that spouse educational level is positively correlated with practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Short duration of maternity leave and inconvenient working environment were major factors that undermine exclusive breastfeeding practice among working mothers. In conclusion, while exclusive breastfeeding awareness is high, many working mothers do not practice it. Consequently, employers should increase paid maternity leave to minimum of six months and make work environment to be conducive for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.