Anthropometrically Determined Nutritional Status of Preschool Children in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the nutritional status and growth of preschool children in Anambra State using vertical anthropometric measurements. Four objectives and one hypothesis were formulated in order to determine the mean measurements of weight, height, left mid upper arm circumference and head circumference of preschool children aged 3 - 5 years plus in the urban and rural communities of Anambra State. A cross sectional survey research design was used for the study to collect sampled data of 1280 preschool children in Anambra state. These data were organized and tested with inferential statistics of t-Test. The weights and heights were compared with the WHO/NCHS standards using graphs. The results showed that children aged 3-5 years plus in the urban areas indicated higher weight and height than those in the rural areas. These preschool children aged 3 - 5 years plus in both urban and rural locations had weights and heights that are higher than that of WHO/NCHS standards for their age. Based on the findings of the study, the researchers recommended that prevention of malnutrition should be given high priority in the implementation of the ongoing Primary Health Care programmes with particular attention paid to the rural population.