Abstract
Background: Malnutrition is a common problem in Sub-Saharan Nigeria. The untoward effects of malnutrition on children cannot be overemphasized. There is need for studies to understand the dynamics of malnutrition in order to intervene appropriately. Nutritional assessment in the community is essential for accurate planning and implementation of intervention programmes to reduce mortality and morbidity associated with malnutrition. Objectives: This study was carried out to assess the nutritional status of primary school pupils in urban and rural areas of Anambra state, compare them and find out the factors that affect their nutritional status. Methodology: A cross sectional comparative study of 365 children selected by stratified random sampling method from primary schools in both urban and rural areas of Anambra state was carried out. Their nutritional status was determined using anthropometric measures. The socioeconomic and socio demographic variables of interest were analyzed to determine their association with malnutrition in the children. Results: Three hundred and sixty five pupils participated in the study. Among the pupils 181 were in the rural area while 184 were in the urban area. The overall prevalence of underweight, stunting and overweight were 10.7%, 1.9% and 4.1% respectively. Prevalence of underweight was higher in the rural area (18.8%) than in the urban area (2.7%) and the difference was statistically significant. The prevalence of stunting was higher in the rural area (3.3%) than in the urban area (0.5%) and the difference was statistically significant. Underweight was more among the pupils whose parents had low educational level than among those whose parents had higher educational level, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Malnutrition is higher in the rural areas than the urban areas in Anambra state. Low level of education of parents predisposes children to malnutrition.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
