Epidemiology of the Nutritional Status of School Aged Children (2-10 years) Affected by Malaria in Bamenda

Abstract

The objective of this study was therefore to assess the nutritional status of school aged children affected by malaria in Bamenda. This was conducted using a population of 397 for children whose parents consented. The data collected was analysed using SPSS version 23 and findings revealed that majority (52.4%) were females, 26.4% aged between 8-9years, 40.8% had occupations not specified, 64% were Christians, 70.8% were of the grass field, 65.2% earned less than 50.000frs per month and 49.9% had attained secondary education. For the BMI classification, majority (19.1%) and (11.5) for girls and boys respectively, were classified as moderately malnourished. Clinical data revealed that majority (81.1%) had pallor nails, 58.9% had scaly skin, 50.6% had week extremities, 40.8% had pale eyes, 40.1% had pale and dry eyes, 51.4% had temperature >37.5 while a few (24.7%) had brittle hair and mouth sore (29.7%). Majority (70.5%) consumed cereals, 12.6% ate legumes, 5.5% ate meat/fish/eggs, 4.5% ate milk/dairy, 3.8% ate vegetables and 3% ate fruits. Majority (60.7%) did not sleep under mosquito net, 58.4% accepted there is stagnant water and bushes around their house, 65.7% had monthly incomes <50.000frs, 59.2% did not eat green leafy vegetables, bananas, apples, meat, beans, chicken, 75.8% did not eat okro, meat, poultry, guavas, mushroom, pumk in seeds, pork, beans, yoghurt. The study concluded that moderate malnutrition and little consumption of vegetables, legumes, fruits, meat/fish/egg, milk/dairy products were nutritional problems on the nutritional status of school aged children affected by malaria in Bamenda.