Nutritional status of school age children in Abakaliki metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Umeokonkwo, Adanna Anthonia; Ibekwe, RC; Umeokonkwo, Chukwuma David; Okike, Clifford; Ezeanosike, Obumneme; Ibe, BC

doi:10.1186/s12887-020-1994-5

Cited by 26 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…The prevalence of obesity is relatively low with prevalence of 2.2% and 1.6% in 4–8-year-olds and 9–13-year-olds, respectively. Earlier studies have shown similarly high burden of stunting and low prevalence of obesity in the various regions of Nigeria [ 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Reported energy intakes were about 17% below the EER for children in both age groups.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 88%

Nutrient Intake in Children 4–13 Years Old in Ibadan, Nigeria

et al. 2021

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The paucity of adequate data on dietary and nutrient intakes of school-age children is a barrier to addressing malnutrition and associated risks in Nigeria. This study included 955 children aged 4–13 years from Ibadan, Nigeria, using a stratified random sampling design. Information on family socio-demographic characteristics was reported, and child anthropometrics were measured. Dietary intake data were collected using a multi-pass 24 h dietary recall method; 20% of subjects completed a second 24 h recall to estimate usual nutrient intakes. Means and distributions of usual intakes of energy and nutrients as well as prevalence of inadequacy were estimated. Usual energy intake (kcal/day) was 1345 and 1590 for younger (4–8 years) and older (9–13 years) age groups, respectively. The macronutrient intakes of most children did not conform to Adequate Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDRs), which were characterized by a higher proportion of energy from carbohydrates and lower proportion from total fats. Protein intake was largely within the AMDR. Compared to recommendations, over 60% of 4–8-year-old children had inadequate intakes of calcium, copper, iron, folate, and vitamins A, D, and E. There were more micronutrient inadequacies in the older children. This study identifies nutrition gaps and suggests future research and education to improve child nutrition in Nigeria.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 88%

Nutrient Intake in Children 4–13 Years Old in Ibadan, Nigeria

et al. 2021

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“…Undernutrition is the most prevalent form of malnutrition with stunting, thinness, and underweight as its indicators [ 7 ]. It has been reported that almost half of all under-five mortality cases were linked to undernutrition [ 5 , 8 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nutritional status of school children in the South Tongu District, Ghana

Aboagye

Kugbey²,

Seidu

et al. 2022

PLoS ONE

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Background Malnutrition is a major public health problem because of the devastating consequences it has on children, their families, and society at large. Our study, therefore, sought to determine the prevalence of undernutrition and overweight/obesity and its associated factors among children aged 6–12 in the South Tongu District, Ghana. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 school children aged 6–12 years in the South Tongu District of Ghana. A multistage sampling method was employed to recruit the school children for the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. We used a dual-purpose (height and weight) measuring scale to obtain the anthropometric data. The World Health Organization’s AnthroPlus software was used to generate the z-scores for determining the nutritional status. Percentages were used to present the results of the prevalence of undernutrition and overweight/obesity among school children. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to examine the factors associated with undernutrition and overweight/obesity among school children. The results were presented as crude odds ratios (CORs) and adjusted odds ratios (AORs), with their 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Stata 16.0 was used to perform the analyses. Results The overall prevalence of undernutrition and overweight/obesity were 21.5% (CI = 17.7, 25.7) and 24.8% (CI = 20.8, 29.2), respectively. Specifically, the prevalence of stunting, thinness, underweight, overweight, and obesity were 10.4%, 12.1%, 3.8%, 11.1%, and 13.7%, respectively. School children whose household used water from non-portable sources were more likely to be undernourished [AOR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.13, 3.63]. The odds of overweight/obesity was higher among school children whose mothers had attained formal education [AOR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.09, 4.06], those who consumed beverages between meals per day [AOR = 1.87, CI = 1.08, 3.24], and those who had adequate dietary diversity score [AOR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.02, 2.67]. School children aged 10–12 were less likely to be overweight/obese [AOR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.35, 0.94] compared to those aged 6–9. Conclusion The study showed a relatively high prevalence of undernutrition and overweight/obesity among school children in the South Tongu District. The identified risk factor(s) for undernutrition was the usage of water from non-potable sources whilst those of overweight/obesity were age (10–12 years), maternal formal education, beverage consumption between meals per day, and adequate dietary diversity. The findings reaffirm that malnutrition is still prevalent among school children. Hence, there is a need for the Ministry of Health, Ghana Education Service, and other Non-Governmental Organizations to pay critical attention to these factors to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 2, target 2.2. Nutritional behavioural change education should be carried out among parents and school children. School health service activities should be intensified with a special focus on nutritional screening.

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“…This damage is irreversible, and stunted children are observed to perform poorly at school and in the workplace, which can negatively affect the nation's gross domestic product and reduce the prosperity of future generations (4,5) . Countries affected by a higher prevalence of undernourished children should address this issue to avoid long-term negative consequences on communities and the economy.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The risk to child nutrition during and after COVID-19 pandemic: what to expect and how to respond

Ntambara

Chu

2021

Public Health Nutr.

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Objective: This study aimed to address the key areas of concern for child nutrition, both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and proposes strategic responses to reduce child undernutrition in the short and long term. Design: A descriptive literature review was performed. The search of the literature was conducted through using electronic databases including PubMed, Web of science, google scholar, and Cochrane library. Setting: A wide range of published articles focused on child malnutrition were reviewed. Participants: The study was focused on children especially those under five years. Results: This study proposes strategic responses to reduce child undernutrition. These responses include strengthening access to community-based nutrition services that support the early detection and treatment of undernourished children and emergency food distribution, including fortified foods with vitamins and minerals, to vulnerable households, particularly those with children under five years. Moreover, counseling and promotion programs should be reinforced to revitalize community nutrition education in areas such as gestation, exclusive breastfeeding, and complementary feeding, and hygienic practices involving handwashing, proper sanitation, and other basic behavioral changes. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many countries especially those in the regions of South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa in which there has been an ongoing burden of child undernutrition. However, malnutrition is preventable and can be eliminated through a multisectoral strategic approach. The effective execution of a multisectoral approach toward preventing childhood malnutrition will require not only a financial investment but also the collective efforts from different ministries of the governments, UN-affiliated agencies, and nongovernmental organizations.

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Nutritional status of school age children in Abakaliki metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Cited by 26 publications

References 36 publications

Nutrient Intake in Children 4–13 Years Old in Ibadan, Nigeria

Nutrient Intake in Children 4–13 Years Old in Ibadan, Nigeria

Nutritional status of school children in the South Tongu District, Ghana

The risk to child nutrition during and after COVID-19 pandemic: what to expect and how to respond

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