Prevalence of Malnutrition and Stunting in Under Five Creche of a Rural Private School in Owerri North, Imo State

The prevalence of malnutrition and stunting in under five Creche of any rural private school in Owerri North L. G. A was investigated. Owerri North is made up of seven districts namely Egbu, Emekuku, Emii, Ihitte/Ogada/Oha, Naze, Obibi-Uratta and Orji. A random selection of four schools were made and the schools include; Oxford Foundation Academy, Ulakwo, Rhema Kiddies School, Amaorie, Noble Star Academy, Orji and St. Carols Nursery and Primary School, Ulakwo. These schools were selected because they meet the set out standard and quality for Nursery Education. The study adopted a cross-sectional design involving 250 pupils from four schools. Simple random selection by balloting was used to select the children from the schools. The questionnaire was validated and pre-tested by lecturers in the Nutrition and Dietetics Department, and data on anthropometric indices- weight and height, BMI and MUAC; socio-demographic status, dietary pattern and frequency of food consumption were collected. Results obtained showed that one hundred and twelve (44.8%) under five were males while 138 were females (55.2%). About 209 (83.6%) were from Imo state and of the Igbo ethnic group240 (96%). Five (2%) of the respondents were between the ages of 6 to 12 months, 114 (45.6%) were aged between 1 to 3 years, and 130 (52%) were aged 3 to 5 years. The socio-demographic data of the respondents showed that the 70 (28%) of the respondents’ fathers were civil servant, 94 (37.6%) were traders and 27 (10.8%) were farmers. Fifty (20%) of the respondents’ mothers were civil servants, 134 (53.6%) were traders and 25 (10%) were farmers, while 41 (16.4%) were of other occupations. Monthly income distribution of the children’s parents showed that 29 (11.6%) earned ₦10,000-50,000, 119 (47.6%) earned ₦50,000 – 100,000, 96 (38.4%) earned above ₦100,000. Data from living condition showed that 154 (61.6%) live in a bedroom flat, 44 (17.6%) live in one room apartment and 39 (15.6%) live in public yard. Data on the dietary practices of the children’s care givers showed 221 (88.4%) prepared food at home to feed the children, (78.4%) eat three times in a day, 214 (85.6%) took in-between meals and 173 (69.2%) took snacks as in-between meals. About 243 (97.2%) consumed fruits and vegetables, of which (55.2%) were frequent, 66 (26.4%) twice in a week and 36 (14.4%) occasionally. Data from the frequency of food consumption from various food groups showed that 97 (38.8%) of the children consumed cereals and their products on a daily basis, 92 (36.8%) consumed cereals 3 to 4 times in a week. Starchy roots and tubers consumption showed that 98 (39.2%) consumed roots and tubers three to four times weekly, 88 (35.2%) once to twice weekly. One hundred and seven (42.8%) consumed legumes and its products once to twice weekly, 83 (33.2%) three to four times weekly, while 119 (47.6%) consumed vegetables daily, and 82 (32.8%) consumed fruits once to twice per week with additional 79 (31.6%) daily. Data on milk and milk products consumption showed that 92 (36.8%) consumed milk three to four times weekly and 62 (24.8%) daily. The prevalence of wasting among the under-five was 2.8%, stunting 3.2%, and underweight was 1.6%. The mid-upper arm circumference measurement showed that only 3 (1.2%) of the children were malnourished, while 242 (96.8%) were normal. This study shows that stunting, underweight and wasting results from a complex interaction of factors. Poor Socioeconomic and environmental conditions are important determinants of nutritional status. Poor nutrition knowledge as a re3sult of limited access to nutrition education also leads to poor food choice by the mothers. Therefore, education of women should be treated with utmost priority because it will help raise the standard of living of the family and pave way for a better socio-economic status and healthier food choice.

Keyword: Anthropometric indices; Feeding habit; Health; Nutritional status; Private schools; Nigeria