Nutritional Status, Feeding Practices and Disease Conditions of Preschool Orphans In South West Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This study was designed to assess the nutritional status, feeding practices and disease conditions of preschool orphans in Lagos South west Nigeria. A cross sectional study was conducted on one hundred and fifteen orphans aged 1–5 years living in orphanage homes. Methods A pretested structured questionnaires were used to obtain information on the socio demographic characteristics and hygiene practices, 24- hour dietary recall technique was used to determine the nutrient intake and the nutritional status were assessed using Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), Weight for age, height for age, weight for height and compared with WHO standard. Data were analyzed using Statistical package for social science version 21 and WHO Anthroplus. Results The result obtained showed that more than half were female (55.7%). The mean nutrient intakes were Energy (1562.76 kcal,), protein (21.41 g), calcium (116.76 mg), Vitamin A (150 mg) and iron (9.10 mg). The MUAC revealed that 3% were severely malnourished, 5% were moderately malnourished while 7% were mildly malnourished. Weight for age showed that 3% were severely underweight, weight for height revealed that 12% had moderate wasting while 7% were severely wasted. Body Mass Index for age showed that 17% were underweight. Majority (96%) practiced good hygiene, 42% had malaria, 29% had fever, 6% had diarrhea, 23% had typhoid and 14% had cough at one time or the other. Conclusions The study showed a positive relationship between the nutritional status and disease conditions wasting (r-0.40, P > 0.679), Height for age (r-0.0036, P > 0.708), weight for age (r-0.002, P > 0.980), BMI for age (r-0.022, P > 0.818). The study showed that some of the children in the Orphanage homes had poor nutritional status and disease conditions. There is need for intervention to assist these vulnerable groups. Funding Sources None.