Nutritional Status Of School Children Research Articles

A case study on the relationships between the dietary patterns and the nutritional status of school children in Galkadapathana village in Sri Lanka

A case study on the relationships between the dietary patterns and the nutritional status of school children in Galkadapathana village in Sri Lanka

Dietary Diversity and Nutritional Status of School Children in Pyin Oo Lwin township, Mandalay Region, Myanmar

The nutritional status of school children is important for their growth, development, and overall well-being. Poor nutritional status of the school children can have a huge impact not only in the short term but also for their long lives. This study aimed to investigate the nutritional status and its associated factors among adolescent school children in Pyin Oo Lwin Township, Mandalay Region. A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2023 among 202 school children in public schools of Pyin Oo Lwin Township by simple random sampling method using face-to-face interviews with pretested structured questionnaires. Anthropometric measures were taken, and nutritional indicators were calculated using the WHO Anthro Plus software. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 16. Bivariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to find the associated factors of nutritional status. Among 202 students, aged between 14 and 18 years, 83.7% had normal nutritional status while the prevalence of thinness, overweight, and obesity were 12.4%, 3%, and 1%. Most of the school adolescents had a high knowledge level (80.7%), and 77.2% had adequate dietary diversity. According to multivariable analysis, dietary diversity was the major influencing factor on malnutrition of the school children. The students with an adequate dietary diversity score were 70% less likely to be malnourished compared to those with an inadequate diversity score [AOR= 0.30, 95%CI = (0.13, 0.67), p-value=0.003]. Therefore, the study would like to recommend promoting nutrition education specifically on diverse food consumption to achieve a balanced diet and prevent malnutrition among the students.

Nutritional status of schoolchildren before and after confinement by COVID-19 (2019-2021) in Jujuy, Argentina.

An increase in the prevalence of obesity due to lockdown and confinement linked to COVID-19 is observed. Variations in the nutritional status of schoolchildren from Jujuy are analyzed in relation to confinement due to COVID-19 (2019-2021) and its relationship with socio-demographic variables and the school environment. This is an observational, descriptive study. Data from 56,695 schoolchildren aged 6-18 years old is analyzed based on two temporary cuts (2019 pre-confinement and 2021 post-confinement). The nutritional status of schoolchildren (underweight, overweight, and obese) was established using the IOTF (International Obesity Task Force) criterion. The prevalence of each nutritional phenotype was estimated by sex and age group, considering the following independent variables: setting (rural/urban), school management system (public/private), geographic altitude, and percentage of households with unmet basic needs (UBN) in the place where they attend school. Multiple proportions contrast was performed using Fisher's test, a transition matrix ws produced and a statistical model of proportional odds was fitted. It was observed that between 2019 and 2021, the prevalence of underweight decreased and the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased significantly. In 2021, 67% of schoolchildren maintained the same nutritional category that they had in 2019, 21% gained weight and 12% lost weight. The model explains about 52% of the total variability observed. The factors that are significantly correlated in the model are school cycle, age, geographic altitude, school setting, and % of households with UBN. The results indicate that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a shift to the right in the distribution of the nutritional status categories of the schoolchildren population in Jujuy, with a decrease in the prevalence of underweight and an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity with variations related to age, school location, geographic altitude, and socioeconomic characteristics of the households in the place where the children attended school.

Nutritional status of school children in South-west Nigeria: Inferences from a national homegrown school feeding programme.

The School Feeding Programme if properly executed has the capacity to improve the nutritional status of the school children. To assess the nutritional status of school children in Ondo State Nigeria given that the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) has been operational in the state for over five years. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 234 subjects from public schools and 227 subjects from private schools were enrolled in the study. Their mean age was 8.23 ± 1.92 years. Wasting, overweight, obesity, underweight, and stunting were noted in 19.4%, 11.4%, 0.4%, 5.0%, and 20.7% of the children, respectively. The prevalence of stunting (30.3%) and wasting (23.9%) was more among subjects from the public schools. A significant association was found between Weight-for-Age Z-score, Height-for-Age Z-score, and BMI-for-Age Z-score and the children's school type (p < 0.005). Majority of the children showed normal growth, the rest were in both extremes of malnutrition, the subjects from private schools seem to present better nutritional status, although there is no baseline data to ratify this finding. A further study on this subject using the current finding as a baseline data is recommended.

Factors Associated with Anthropometric Status of Primary School Children in Dodoma, Tanzaniaania

Background: Malnutrition in school-age children significantly affects their health, cognitive development, and educational attainment. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of school-age children and the influence of socioeconomic, demographic, and environmental factors on their nutritional well-being. This study focused on primary focus was on primary school children in Dodoma. sought to identify children who could be at risk of malnutrition. The study intended to establish baseline data regarding the nutritional status of school children that could contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional landscape among primary school children in the region. This information could subsequently inform nutritionists and policymakers to plan interventions to improve these children's nutritional status. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 248 pupils was conducted in eight primary schools in Dodoma. Four schools were selected from Chamwino and Dodoma urban districts, respectively, whereby two government schools and two private schools were selected from each district. The other four schools were situated in the urban district of Dodoma, comprising two government and two private schools. The study assessed the prevalence of stunting, wasting/thinness, underweight, and overweight/obesity among primary school children. Stunting was characterized by impaired growth and development with low height for age, while underweight was defined as low weight relative to age. Wasting/thinness refers to insufficient flesh, with body weight falling below skeletal and physical standards. Overweight/obese indicates excessive fat tissue accumulation that could impact health. Data were analyzed using the WHO AnthroPlus v1.0.4 software and SPSS v26 software for Windows. Results: Prevalence rates among the surveyed pupils were as follows: stunting (10.5%), underweight (3.6%), thinness (2.8%), and overweight/obesity (10.1%). Stunting was more prevalent in boys (13.2%) than in girls (8.2%), and it exhibited an upward trend with increasing age. The prevalence of underweight was higher in public schools (8.2%) compared to private schools (3.2%). Thinness was more common in public schools (85.7%) compared to private schools (14.3%) and was more prevalent in rural areas (57.1%) and among younger children (57.1%). Overweight/obesity was more prevalent among girls (91.0%) compared to boys (88.6%). Schools in urban areas showed a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity (90.3%) than those in rural areas (89.5%). Private schools (95.2%) had a higher prevalence of overweight/obese pupils compared to public schools (84.7%). Pupils residing in urban areas were more likely to become overweight/obese compared to their counterparts living in rural settings. Conclusion: Significant rates of stunting, thinness, underweight, and overweight/obesity were observed among primary schoolchildren in Dodoma, Tanzania. These findings underlined the necessity to enhance nutrition interventions to improve the nutritional status of both public and private primary school pupils in Tanzania.

Birth weight and nutritional status in school-age children from Boane city, Mozambique.

Birth weight is considered an important marker of inadequate maternal nutrition, and it is a critical indicator of the newborn's health and development. This study evaluated the influence of low birth weight (LBW) on body composition in 7-10-year-old school children from Boane City-Mozambique. A total of 220 children (female = 122 and male = 98) were divided into two groups according to their birth weight (LBW, n = 41; and normal birth weight, NBW, n = 179). Anthropometric indicators of nutritional status were analyzed by the indices weight-for-age, height-for-age, BMI-for-age, and weight-for-height. LBW children showed reduced skinfolds, and weight-for-height when compared to NBW children. Birth weight was positively associated with all anthropometric variables, except for BMI, which was not associated with any other variable. The r2 value ranged from .09 (weight-for-age) to .72 (height-for-age). For body composition variables, older children had higher fat mass (β = .26; 95% CI = 0.05-0.48) and fat-free mass (β = 1.10; 95% CI = 0.71-1.48), and boys had lower fat percentage (β = -3.49; 95% CI = -4.35 to -2.65) and fat mass (β = -.92; 95% CI = -1.31 to -0.55) than girls. Birth weight was also positively associated with fat-free mass. LBW seems to influence some growth indicators of children living in Boane, however, current environmental factors seem to weaken this association. Our results suggest that public policies involving healthy nutrition and physical activity can reverse the effects of low weight in children from Boane.

Investigating the effect of a school-based WASH intervention on soil-transmitted helminth and schistosome infections and nutritional status of school children in Ethiopia: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundThe impact of access to improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and health education on large-scale deworming programs aimed at controlling soil-transmitted helminth (STH) and schistosome (SCH) infections has not been well studied. We assessed the additional impact of improved WASH infrastructure and health education at schools on STH and SCH infections in Ethiopia.MethodsThe study used a quasi-experimental design under which 30 schools were assigned to either an intervention (15 schools) or control (15 schools) arm. Both arms received a standard deworming treatment and lunch. In the intervention arm, improved WASH and health education were provided. At three consecutive time points (baseline in 2013, 2014 and 2015), the prevalence and intensity of STH and SCH infections and the nutritional status [hemoglobin concentrations and physical growth (height and weight)] were determined. To verify whether interventions were successfully implemented, the WASH status at school and the student knowledge, attitudes and practices related to WASH (WASH-KAP) were recorded. Differences in metrics between arms at baseline (2013) and follow-up (2015) were assessed both within and between the arms.ResultsA significant increase in scores for both the school WASH and student KAP was found in the intervention arm, indicating successful implementation of the intervention. The prevalence of any STH infection was significantly reduced in the intervention arm but not in the control arm (F = 4.486, p = 0.034). There was a significantly greater reduction in the intensity of infection of hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides compared to baseline in both arms. The intervention did not affect school children’s height-for-age z-score (intervention arm * time coef = 0.12, p = 0.400) and body mass index-for-age z-scores (intervention * time coef = − 0.06, p = 0.526). Hemoglobin concentrations increased significantly more in the control than the intervention arm (coef = − 0.16, p = 0.006).ConclusionsAlthough the intervention did increase school WASH and student WASH-KAP, our study found poor evidence of the additional benefit of improved WASH and health education to deworming and school food programs on parasite re-infection and the health outcomes of children.Graphical

Association between dental caries and adherence to the Mediterranean diet, dietary intake, and body mass index in children

BackgroundChildren with healthier nutritional status are less likely to develop severe caries than those with a high-sugar content diet. Studies evaluating dental caries and nutritional status in school-age children have generally focused on dietary intake, diet quality, or anthropometric measures, and the number of studies evaluating them together is limited.ObjectiveIt was aimed to evaluate the relationship between dental caries adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD), dietary intake, and Body Mass Index (BMI) in school-age children.Materials and methodsThis study was conducted with 300 healthy children (52.0% boys, 48.0% girls) aged between 6 and 12 years. The data collection forms included sociodemographic characteristics, oral health practices of children, Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents (KIDMED), and food consumption records. Anthropometric measurements (body weight and height) of the children were taken. Dental examinations were performed by a pediatric dentist.ResultsWhile the DMFT mean score of the children was 1.7 ± 2.09, the mean dft score was 2.9 ± 3.29. The mean of KIDMED scores was 5.9 ± 3.32. DMFT and dft scores decreased statistically as maternal education increased (p < 0.05). DMFT and dft scores were not statistically different between BMI groups according to gender and age (p > 0.05). DMFT scores differed statistically between KIDMED groups (p < 0.05). This difference was between low-optimal and low-improvement-needed groups. While there was a low negative correlation (r=-0.169) between calcium intake and DMFT score, a low positive correlation was found between glucose (r = 0.172) and fructose (r = 0.149) intake and dft score (p < 0.05). In regression analysis, while the children’s age related DMFT scores positively, maternal education and KIDMED scores related DMFT scores negatively. Also, children’s age and maternal education related dft scores negatively.ConclusionIn this study, adherence to the MD rather than nutrients was found to be important in dental caries. Also maternal education level was also found to be a determinant factor in dental caries in children. DMFT and dft did not differ between BMI groups.Further studies should be conducted to assess the impact of the MD on dental caries in children to develop dietary interventions for preventative purposes.

Analysis of Factors Associated with Nutritional Status in School-Age Children at SD Negeri 10 Benteng Sidrap Regency

Nutrition is very important in growth and development. Good nutritional status requires more attention because poor nutritional status in children will affect mental, physical growth or thinking abilities, of course, will reduce the level of productivity and ability in adulthood. The aim of this research is to determine the factors associated with the nutritional status of school- age children at SD Negeri 10 Benteng Sidrap Regency. Quantitative research method with a cross sectional study design. The sample consisted of 158 students at SD Negeri 10 Benteng. Data was collected using questionnaires and measurements of body weight and height. Data analysis used the Chi Square Test with a 95% confidence level. The results of this study show that there is a relationship between income with p value = 0.000, knowledge about nutrition with p value = 0.000, parents' education with p value = 0.000, parents' occupation with p value = 0.025, students' snack habits with p value = 0,000, with the student's nutritional status. The conclusion is that the factors that influence nutritional status are income, knowledge about nutritional status, parental education, parental occupation, parental characteristics and snack habits.

Pola Makan Dan Status Gizi Anak Usia Sekolah Dasar di Wilayah Pedesaan Dan Perkotaan

ABSTRACTBackground: Access to food differs between school-age children in rural and urban areas which is thought to have an impact on differences in the eating patterns and nutritional status of school-age children. The purpose of this study was to analyse differences in food pattern and nutritional status of school-age children in rural and urban areas.Methods: This research is a cross-sectional design. SDN I Benda which is located in Tasikmalaya City represents an urban area and SDN 3 Sukasari in Ciamis represents a rural area. The number of subjects in rural areas is 38 students and in urban areas is 40 students. Differences in eating patterns in rural and urban areas were analysed using independent t-test and Mann-Whitney at significance (p0.05).Results: The average food diversity of school-age children in rural areas (4) is less than in urban areas (4.5). The intake of energy (1636.8 vs 1526.1 kcal), protein (47.2 vs 43 g), fat (71 vs 62.8 g) and carbohydrates (214.1 vs 120.8 g) of school-age children in rural areas is slightly higher than in urban areas. This study showed that there were differences in the food diversity of school-age children in rural and urban areas (p=0.003); but there was no difference in energy (p=0.280), protein (p=0.593), fat (p=0.154), and carbohydrate (p=0.308) intake of school-age children in rural and urban areas.Conclusion: The food diversity of school-age children in rural areas is less than in urban areas, therefore efforts are needed to increase food diversity in rural areas

Sedentary Behavior, Macronutrient Consumption Levels and Children's Nutritional Status Post Covid-19 Pandemic at SMP Negeri 5 Mengwi

Background: Nutritional status is influenced by food consumption and physical activity of a person. Sedentary activity is the behavior of a person sitting or lying down in daily life excluding sleeping. School-age children tend to prefer sedentary activities such as playing on computers and smartphones. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between sedentary activity and the level of consumption of macronutrients with the nutritional status of students in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic at Junior High School 5 Mengwi.&#x0D; Method: The type of research used is Observational analytic with a Cross-Sectional design and using the Simple Random Sampling technique with a total of 90 people. The data was collected by interview and measurement methods. Data is presented with frequency tables and cross tables. &#x0D; Result: The results of the Spearman rank analysis test showed that there was a significant relationship between nutritional status and sedentary activity (p=0.000, r=0.63). Furthermore, with the same test, the result that there was a relationship between the level of energy consumption and nutritional status (p=0.000, r=0.659), there was a relationship between the level of carbohydrate consumption and nutritional status (p= 0.000, r =0.427). Furthermore, that there was no relationship between the level of protein consumption and nutritional status (p =0.0619, r =0.053) and then, that there was a relationship between the level of fat consumption and nutritional status (p= 0.001, r =0.338).&#x0D; Conclusion: Sedentary activity and the level of consumption of energy, carbohydrates and fats are strong variables that affect the nutritional status of school children.

Post-pandemic nutritional status in school children from an educational institution in Huánuco, Peru

Aim: Assess the post-pandemic nutritional status of schoolchildren in an educational institution in Huánuco, Peru. Methods: a quantitative, descriptive, observational, prospective, cross-sectional study with a comparative descriptive design, with a population of 228 students and a sample of 143 students, who were administered a questionnaire and a registration form after validation. The Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests were used for inferential analysis. Results: 25.2% (36) were overweight and 3.5% (5) were obese. It was found that there was a significant relationship between the frequency of food consumption and nutritional status (P-value=0.014). Conclusion: It was concluded that the school children presented a normal nutritional status, followed by overweight, obesity and thinness.

PEMBERIAN EDUKASI GIZI DAN PSIKOLOGI PERKEMBANGAN ANAK KEPADA ORANGTUA SISWA DI SD INPRES OEPURA 3 KOTA KUPANG

School-age children are children aged between 6-12 years. The 6-12 years period is a time when children experience rapid growth and development. Foods that contain nutritional elements are needed for the growth and development process of children. The 2018 Riskesdas results show that nutrition problems in school-age children need attention from all parties. In NTT, the prevalence of very short and short in children aged 5-12 years reached 41.1%, very thin and thin reached 18.5%, and fat and obese 6.1%. One of the efforts to improve the nutritional status of school children is to provide education to parents about balanced nutrition and child development psychology so that there is an increase in maternal knowledge and children's nutritional status. Baseline results at SD Impres Oepura 3 parents have never done nutritional status screening and education on balanced nutrition and psychology of school children's development. The purpose of this community service is to increase parents' knowledge about balanced nutrition and child development psychology and have a picture of the nutritional status of elementary school students. Activities were carried out at SD Inpres Oepura 3. Activities were carried out in the form of counseling using lecture methods and pocket book tools involving parents. Evaluation of activities is carried out in the form of pre-post tests. The results of education have increased parental knowledge by 81.5%.

A Comparative Study to Assess the Nutritional Status among School Age Children of Employed and Unemployed Mothers (A Study in Selected Schools of Nepalgunj, Banke, Nepal)

Nutrition is the science that studies the link between food and health, and is mainly focused on the role of nutrients in human growth, development, and maintenance. Healthy nutrition involves maintaining a nutritional condition that enables individuals to grow and maintain excellent health. The school age, which ranges from 6 to 12 years old, is a crucial period for physical growth and intellectual development in children. The socioeconomic status of families, social well-being, and health care system proficiency of communities, as well as the environmental impact, are important factors that affect child health. Viewing malnutrition as an issue in human ecology provides a range of approaches for prevention. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of school-age children whose mothers were employed or unemployed and attending selected schools in Nepalgunj, Banke. A descriptive comparative research design was employed for the study, and stratified random sampling was used to select 120 students from Nepalgunj, Banke. Data were collected using a self-developed structured questionnaire. The study results showed that children with underweight (51.6%) were more prevalent among employed mothers' children than unemployed mothers' children (20%). However, children with normal weight (43.3%) were more prevalent among children of unemployed mothers than employed mothers (25%). An association was found between school type and maternal employment status with children's body mass index (BMI), and the P-values were &lt;0.001 and &lt;0.02, respectively. The nutritional status of children is a crucial factor for their growth and development. This study indicated that underweight was more prevalent among children of employed mothers, and children of unemployed mothers had a normal weight. Maternal employment status and school types, such as public and private schools, were associated with children's BMI. These factors should be considered while designing interventions to enhance children's nutritional status.&#x0D;

Influence of diet quality on nutritional status of school-aged children and adolescents in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Malnutrition among young children and adolescents poses a serious health challenge in developing countries which results in many health problems during adulthood. Poor diet quality is known as the root cause of malnutrition which is caused by unhealthy food choices and bad eating habits among young children and adolescents. However, limited evidence is available on diet quality and its association with nutrition status among young children and adolescents in Zanzibar. This study examined the diet quality and its relationship with the nutritional status of school-aged children and adolescents in Zanzibar. Data for this study was obtained from the cross-sectional survey of School Health and Nutrition (SHN) conducted in Zanzibar. The survey recruited children aged 5-19 years from 93 schools in Zanzibar. A seven-day food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary intake. Prime Dietary Quality Score (PDQS) consisted of 21 food groups was then constructed to assess the diet quality of school-aged children and adolescents. Body mass index (BMI-for-age Z-score) was used as the indicator of nutrition status. Both linear and logistic regression analysis techniques were used to determine the associations between BMI and PDQS. A total data of 2,556 children were enrolled in the survey. The prevalence of thinness was 8.1%, normal 82.1%, overweight 7.2% and obesity 2.6%. The mean (SD) PDQS score was 18.8 (3.2) which ranged from 8 to 33. Consumptions of green leafy vegetables (49.3%), yellow or red fruits (37.8%), legumes (38.3%), fish (36.3%), and vegetable oil (31.5%) were up to three times per week, whereas consumptions of white vegetables (77.3%), cooked vegetables (32.6%), citrus fruits (66.8%), other types of fruits (66.2%), nuts (46.4%), poultry (49.6%), whole grains (61%) and eggs (67.8%) were less than once per week. In terms of unhealthy foods, eating fried foods was reported by 26.3% up to three times per week, and 31.5% reported consuming sweets and ice cream up to three times in the past week. High PDQS was significantly associated with a reduction in BMI of children (p< 0.005). For each unit increase in the consumption of unhealthy foods such as fried foods, cooked vegetables and refined grains there is a significant increase in BMI. The odds of being obese decrease significantly as diet quality increases from the first to third quintile of PDQS (AOR = 0.2, 0.04-0.89 95% CI, p = 0.035). Consumption of high quality diet was found to be associated with a reduction in excessive weight among school-aged children and adolescents in Zanzibar. There is a need for interventions targeting to reduce unhealthy food consumption in school environment. Further research should be conducted to assess diet quality using PDQS among young children and adolescents.

STATUS GIZI ANAK SEKOLAH DI MI DARUSSALAM KOTA BENGKULU

Problem: Children are one of Indonesia's future human resource assets that should receive more attention, especially those who are experiencing a period of growth and development, so they need adequate food consumption with balanced nutrition because strong, healthy, and intelligent children are a determinant of the nation's sustainability. Nutritional status is a measure of success in fulfilling nutrition for children. Research Objectives: This study aims to determine the nutritional status of school children at MI Darussalam, Bengkulu City. Research Methods: This study used a descriptive survey with a cross-sectional design. The population of this study was 131 students, with a total sample of 57 respondents. Then, the collection of data on nutritional status was carried out by weighing the weight using a stamping scale and measuring the height using a microtoise. Results: Assessment of children's nutritional status was carried out by calculating BMI (weight/height), and the results obtained were 43 respondents (75.4%) with good nutritional status, 5 (five) respondents (8.7%) with poor nutritional status, 7 (seven) respondents (12.2%) ) with more nutritional status and 2 (two) respondents (3.5%) with obesity. Conclusion: Malnutrition, overnutrition, and obesity are still found in children at MI Darussalam, Bengkulu City.

Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Schoolchildren in the Commune of Abobo

Context: The covid-19 pandemic has shaken the world in a deadliest way and also disrupted the food system. In Ivory Coast, malnutrition already exists, so it was important to assess the impact of this pandemic on the nutritional status of schoolchildren after this crisis. Thus this study is carried out to evaluate the relationship of sociodemographic characteristics on the nutritional status of schoolchildren. Methods: A cross-sectional study took place from September 2021 to January 2022, with 1,374 schoolchildren aged 5 to 15 years in the commune of Abobo. Sociodemographic characteristics as well as anthropometric parameters were obtained using a questionnaire administered to schoolchildren. Characteristics such as gender, age, profession as well as the level of education of parents and practice of sporting activity were provided. Anthropometry was measured and thinness, overweight and obesity were defined using a standard protocol. Result: The nutritional status of schoolchildren indicates that 15.3% of schoolchildren in the commune of Abobo suffer from thinness and 3.4% are overweight/obese according to the BMI-age indicator. The nutritional status of children according to gender indicates that 17.2% of boys are thin compared to 13.4% of girls. As for overweight/obesity, it is 4.4% among girls and 2.4% among boys. This difference between the nutritional status of schoolchildren and gender is significant (p˂0.05). The level of education of the children's father and the level of education of the schoolchildren are significantly linked to the nutritional status of the schoolchildren. On the other hand, the age of schoolchildren, the level of education of the mother, as well as the practice of sporting activity are not linked to malnutrition. Conclusion: The present study shows that the BMI of schoolchildren is influenced by socio-demographic characteristics such as age, the educational level of the father and that of the schoolchildren as well as the sex ..

Assessment of the nutritional status of school children in Galle Municipality area: A comparison between different body mass index classification systems

Introduction: Asian populations are at an increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders due to higher fat mass at a relatively lower body mass index (BMI). Several discrepancies have been reported in the BMI classification systems currently in practice to assess the nutritional status among children. Aim of this study was to compare the different international BMI based classification systems to identify the nutritional status in a cohort of Sri Lankan children.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 833 (48.37% boys) school children aged 5-15 years in Galle Municipality area, Sri Lanka. The nutritional status of each child was defined according to five BMI classification systems: World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), and International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), Indian and Sri Lankan systems. The agreement between them was tested using Cohen’s kappa coefficient.Results: Prevalence of under-weight, overweight and obesity of children, as determined by the WHO, CDC, IOTF, Indian and the Sri Lankan classification systems showed significant differences. The WHO classification system had the best agreement (k=0.649) with the Indian classification system. A wide difference between the Sri Lankan classification system (24.37%) and the Indian (9.60%) and WHO (5.04%) classification systems in defining obesity were observed.Conclusion &amp; recommendations: A wide difference between different BMI classification systems when determining the nutritional status in children emphasise the importance of developing a country-specific classification system to identify the nutritional status among Sri Lankan children.

Contribution of school meals to the recommended nutrient and energy intake of children enrolled in the National Homegrown School Feeding Program in Zaria, Nigeria

BackgroundA poor nutritional status in children results in reduced physical and mental health and poor academic performance. The National Homegrown School Feeding Program (NHSFP) was introduced in Nigeria in 2016 to ameliorate short-term hunger and improve the nutritional status of school-aged children (SAC). At least 33% of the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for the enrolled students should be met by the school meals. However, to our knowledge, the contribution of school meals served through the NHSFP to the RNI of SAC in Zaria, Nigeria, remains to be explored. MethodsWe conducted a school-based cross-sectional study among 276 eligible SAC recruited from public primary schools in the Zaria Local Government Area. Portion sizes of the meals served through the NHSFP were determined using an electronic scale, meal samples were collected for nutrient analysis, and the average daily nutrient intake of the participants from the meals was calculated. The average daily intake of nutrients and energy of the participants was compared with the age- and sex-specific RNI to estimate the percentage contribution of the meals. ResultsThe portion sizes recorded were 199.3 ± 20.6 g, 263.9 ± 11.5 g, 242.1 ± 16.8 g, 311 ± 17.3 g, and 160.3 ± 1.9 mL, respectively, for moi-moi, jollof rice and beans, bean porridge, jollof rice and boiled egg, and yoghurt. In addition, the meals contained moisture (30.13–66.11%), ash (0.73–7.08%), crude fat (9–32.61%), crude protein (7.25–24.5%), crude fiber (0–2.45%), and total carbohydrate (2.19–29.74%) with an energy content ranging from 183.6 to 330.57 kcal. Similarly, the meals contained calcium (82.58—711 mg), potassium (133–797 mg), sodium (340–1720 mg), iron (0.078–8.60 mg), zinc (1.84–13.4 mg), vitamin A (2.38–100.56 RAE), and vitamin C (0.04–1.57 mg) per 100 g of the school meals. The meals contributed 18.2–19.1%, 102.8–183.7%, 13.04–13.6%, and 26.1%–35.8% of the RNI for carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, and energy, respectively. Furthermore, they contributed 137–175%, 314.3–502.2%, 87.6–142.1%, 21.5–25.1%, 279.2–348.5%, 3.3–5.9%, 24.7–48.8%, and 3.3–5.9% of the RNI for iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, sodium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, respectively. ConclusionThe meals served through the NHSFP contributed at least 33% of the RNI for energy, protein, iron, calcium, sodium, vitamin A, and zinc. However, they could not meet the 33% of the RNI for carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Increasing the portion sizes and the diversity of the meals can address the suboptimal contribution of the meals to the RNI for carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.

Nutritional status of rural school-going children (11-13 years) of Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu, South India

Background: The childhood years are characterized by rapid growth and development on both a physical and mental level. Compared to adults, they require a greater amount of nutrition per unit of body weight. The prevalence of undernutrition among schoolchildren is one of the foremost public health problems in developing countries such as India. Various studies have highlighted the burden of undernutrition nationwide among different groups in India. The objective of the present study was to assess the nutritional status of school children attending schools in Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 972 school children of 11 to 13 years of age for 6 months by consecutive sampling technique. The children were assessed for nutritional status by clinical examination as well as anthropometric assessment and were compared with the WHO growth standards. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22 on the data obtained. Results: The mean age of the children was 12.11±0.8 of which 491(51%) were boys and 481 (49%) were girls. Among children, the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity was 565 (58%), 25 (2.6%), and 23 (2.4%) respectively. Conclusions: The burden of undernutrition is indeed a serious concern in the rural school children of Dharmapuri district in Tamilnadu. The importance of routine school health visits is stressed and this issue needs to be addressed promptly through a multipronged approach.