Assessment of Nutritional Status of Nursery School Children in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the nutritional status of nursery school children aged 2-6 years in Obudu Local Government of Cross River State, three research questions guided the study. The assessment utilized the socioeconomics, and education status of parents, eating habits of the children, anthropometric measurement, and chemical signs (Scantiness and fluffiness of hair, paleness of lips /tongue, protrusion of stomach, flatness of buttocks, oedema and general fitness). It was found that the eating habits of the children (45.5%) were determined by the availability of mainly carbohydrate foods and 18.2% of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The habits were due to the poor socio-economic and educational status of the parents. The result of anthropometric measurements indicated that on weight-for-height status, 10.8% of the children were wasted with a high prevalence rate of 5.9% in male children whereas females 4.9%. The sex of the children did not significantly influence the weight-for-height status of the children (p0.5). In terms of height-for-age status, 10.8% were stunted. There was no significant difference in the sex of the children (p>0.5). Weight-for-age indicated that 5.9% of the children were underweight. A higher prevalence rate (3.9%) was observed among the males than the females (2.0%). There was no significant difference in sex p.>0.5, overweight children were 8.8%, females being higher at 5.9% while males were over 2.9%. Using clinical signs, it was observed that 12.7% of the children were generally unfit. The children with scanty hair 10.8%, fluffy hair 2.0%, paleness of lips/tongue, 4.9%, protruded stomach 10.8%, flattened buttocks 11.8%, Oedema 4.9%. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that children should be made to eat 3-5 meals daily including 2-3 servings of snacks to enhance their nutritional status.