ABSTRACT

Malnutrition continues to be a major problem among school-aged children in developing countries. Thus, this cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of 200 public primary school pupils, comprising 84males and 116 females in a rural setting. These pupils were scientifically selected (stratified sampling) from 2 public schools in 2 villages with similar socioeconomic characteristics in the Odeda local government area of Ogun state. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic and socio economic characteristics of the pupils and their parents. The questionnaire was also used to collect information on the food consumption patterns of the pupils while a bathroom scale and a height meter were used to obtain their weights and heights, respectively. A 24-hour dietary recall was used to assess the food intakes and the ESHA food processor nutrients database was employed in the analysis of energy and nutrients. To assess stunting and underweight among the respondents, WHO Anthro plus software was used. T-test and chi-square statistics were used to analyze differences and associations between variables. The results of the study revealed that more than half of the pupils reported eating three times daily with breakfast and supper mainly consumed at home. The 24-hour recall showed that the pupils did not meet their energy and nutrient requirements except for three out of the seven nutrients investigated. The prevalence of stunting and underweight were 16.5% and 13%, respectively, among the respondents. It was concluded that the nutritional status of the respondents was poor since the incidence of stunting and underweight were high while energy and some nutrients were below the recommended intakes

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Nutritional status is defined as the evident state of nutrition of an individual. A person is said to have a good nutritional status if he shows no evidence of malnutrition, whether open or latent. Nutrition is the aspect of science that interprets the relationship of food to the functioning of living organisms. It includes the uptake of food, liberation of energy, elimination of wastes and the biochemical synthesis that are essential for maintenance of normal growth and development (Laditan, 1983).

The school-aged child is likely to spend a greater part of the day at school. Therefore, increasing numbers of meals are eaten away from home, often at establishments where adherence to food safety measures is difficult and may affect good nutrition [Shills, et al. 2006]. The nutritional needs of the school-aged child are high because they participate in school group activities such as sports and recreational programs. The influence of peers and significant adults, like teachers or sports idols, is also increased while friendships and other social contacts become more important [Mahan, and Escott-Stump, 2000]. While the upper primary school pupils are usually between the ages of 9-12 some may be older due to late start of school. Thus, most of these pupils may be classified as early adolescents. The adolescent is considered especially vulnerable nutritionally because there is an increased demand for nutrients related to the dramatic increase in physical growth, psychosocial and cognitive development. Moreover, the changes in their lifestyle and food habits affect both nutrient intakes and needs.

The school age is a dynamic period of growth and development. During this period physical, mental, social development of child takes place [Singh V, West KP (2004)]. Poor health and malnutrition may impair both the growth and cognitive development of primary school children. School children are dramatically affected by anemia (Hasan et al. 2013), vitamin A deficiency (Brooker et al. 2006) and parasitic infections (Awasthi & Bundy 2007) with adverse impact on their nutritional status (Casapia et al. 2006) as well as on their cognitive development and school performance also (Pollitt, 1999, Singh, 2004, Florence, Asbridge & Veugelers, 2008, Ong et al. 1991).

High levels of stunting among children suggest that there will also be a long term deficit in mental and physical development that leaves children unable to take maximum advantage of learning opportunities in schools. Epidemiological evidences suggest a strong link between maternal and early childhood under nutrition and increased adult risk of various chronic diseases [United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) 2000].

Taking of adequate nutrients from foods, both in quantity and in quality and the body’s capability to utilize them appropriately to meet its metabolic needs of health and fitness describes the concept of nutritional status. (Adegun, et. al., 2013)

Malnutrition does not often exert equal impact on all population groups. Certain factors and circumstances dictate the target of occurrence (Keke, 1990). The causes of malnutrition are multidimensional and include both food and non food factors such as low income, uneven household food distribution, poor sanitation, infection, inadequate food production, marketing and preservation as well as poor knowledge of nutrition (Chen and Dseusa, 1981).

Malnutrition arises from a complex of nutritional, social and biological deprivation and is manifested in various forms such as stunting (short stature), underweight, muscle wasting, growth retardation, diminished subcutaneous fat and ill health with high mortality rate (Onimawo et al., 2006). Growth is an increase in size, its progress is mainly structural, and can be measured with some degree of reliability in terms of height, weight, age etc. (Apley, 1979). There are wide variations in the rates at which the height and weight of children are subsequently attained. This is as a result of several factors such as quality and quantity of food, family income, family size and genetic constitution which may contribute to these variations (Beaton et al., 1990).

1.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT

According to the WHO, in 2011 over 101 million children under the age of 5 were underweight (low weight for age), 165 million were stunted (low height for age), and approximately 52 million were wasted (low weight for height) (WHO. 2012). Consequently, estimates of the prevalence of malnutrition among school-aged children suggest that these indicators do not improve much with age. In 2010, according to the Growth and Assessment Surveillance Unit of the WHO, the global prevalence rate of malnutrition among school-age children (5-14 years old) as indicated by the prevalence of stunting, was approximately 28% (171 million children), with Eastern Africa suffering a higher rate of 45% (de Onis, Blossner, & Borghi, 2011). A major study of school-age children from developing countries found the overall prevalence of stunting to range between 48-52% with an overall prevalence of underweight between 34-62%; the Standing Committee on Nutrition (SCN) notes that among school-age children stunting and underweight are more prevalent than wasting. In addition, among this age group, the most significant micronutrient deficiencies include Vitamin A and Iron deficiencies (Standing Committee on Nutrition. December 2002). Focusing on improving the nutritional well being of school-age children has the potential to reduce the severity of stunting, increase weight, and support cognitive function and possibly prevent severe consequences (Acham, et al. 2012, Standing Committee on Nutrition. December 2002.)

 

1.2 JUSTIFICATION

Nutritional status assessment of school children serves as a screening tool to identify children who may need nutritional intervention and so prevent further deterioration in their nutritional status and reducing the risk of poor performance in school and in the society at large.

 

1.3 OBJECTIVES

1.3.1 Broad Objective.

The broad objective of this project was to assess the nutritional status of pupils from selected public primary schools in Odeda local government area.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the study were to:

• assess the food consumption pattern of public primary school pupils.
• collect anthropometric data (i.e. height and weight) of the selected to assess their nutritional status.
• assess relationship between the socio-economic and socio-demographic characteristics of parents of the selected pupils and the nutritional status of the pupils

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 DEFINING MALNUTRITION

Malnutrition is a quiet pandemic affecting millions of people throughout the world. Vulnerable populations, such as children, women (especially expectant mothers), the elderly and people .