Intervention On Nutrition Education in The Management of School Aged Children (2-10 Years) Affected by Malaria in Bamenda

Abstract

The objective of this study was therefore to manage 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. And the BMI (Body Mass Index) classification, majority (19.1%) and (11.5%) for girls and boys respectively, were classified as moderately malnourished. Then, 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, pumkin seeds, pork, beans, yoghurt. For nutritional interventions, 87.9% accepted nutrition education, 92.4% accepted advice be given to pupils to consume food containing vitamin A, iron, zinc and 90.2% accepted gardening be encouraged. The study concluded shown that nutritional interventions made has improve the nutritional status of school aged children affected by malaria in Bamenda.