Assessment Of Nutritional Status Of Children 11-13 Years In Selected Public Secondary Schools In Your Community (A Case Study Of Isiala Mbano L.G.A., Okohia)
Assessment Of Nutritional Status Of Children 11-13 Years In Selected Public Secondary Schools In Your Community (A Case Study Of Isiala Mbano L.G.A., Okohia)
Abstract
Malnutrition continues to be a major problem among school-aged children in developing countries. Thus, this survey study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of 200 public secondary school students, comprising 84males and 116 females in a rural setting. These pupils were scientifically selected (stratified sampling) from 2 public schools in 2 villages with similar socioeconomic characteristics in the Isiala Mbano L.G.A.. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic and socio economic characteristics of the pupils and their parents. The questionnaire was also used to collect information on the food consumption patterns of the pupils while a bathroom scale and a height meter were used to obtain their weights and heights, respectively. A 24-hour dietary recall was used to assess the food intakes and the ESHA food processor nutrients database was employed in the analysis of energy and nutrients. To assess stunting and underweight among the respondents, WHO Anthro plus software was used. T-test and chi-square statistics were used to analyze differences and associations between variables. The results of the study revealed that more than half of the pupils reported eating three times daily with breakfast and supper mainly consumed at home. The 24-hour recall showed that the pupils did not meet their energy and nutrient requirements except for three out of the seven nutrients investigated. The prevalence of stunting and underweight were 16.5% and 13%, respectively, among the respondents. It was concluded that the nutritional status of the respondents was poor since the incidence of stunting and underweight were high while energy and some nutrients were below the recommended intakes.Effect of Polya’s Problem Solving Strategy on Students Academic Performance In Algebra Among Senior Secondary School Two In Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
Table of Content
- Title Page
- Certification
- Dedication
- Acknowledgement
- Table of Content
- List of Tables
- Abstract
Chapter One:
Introduction
- 1.1 Background of the Study
- 1.2 Statement of the Problem
- 1.3 Objective of the Study
- 1.4 Research Questions
- 1.5 Research Hypothesis
- 1.6 Significance of the Study
- 1.7 Scope of the Study
- 1.8 Limitation of the Study
- 1.9 Definition of Terms
- 1.10 Organisations of the Study
Chapter Two:
Review of Literature
- 2.1 Conceptual Framework
- 2.2 Theoretical Framework
- 2.3 Empirical Review
Chapter Three:
Research Methodology
- 3.1 Research Design
- 3.2 Population of the Study
- 3.3 Sample Size Determination
- 3.4 Sample Size Selection Technique and Procedure
- 3.5 Research Instrument and Administration
- 3.6 Method of Data Collection
- 3.7 Method of Data Analysis
- 3.8 Validity of the Study
- 3.9 Reliability of the Study
- 3.10 Ethical Consideration
Chapter Four:
Data Presentation and Analysis
- 4.1 Data Presentation
- 4.2 Analysis of Data
- 4.3 Answering Research Questions
- 4.4 Test of Hypotheses
Chapter Five:
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation
- 5.1 Summary
- 5.2 Conclusion
- 5.3 Recommendation
- References
- APPENDIX
- QUESTIONNAIRE
Chapter One
Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
Nutritional status is defined as the evident state of nutrition of an individual. A person is said to have a good nutritional status if he shows no evidence of malnutrition, whether open or latent. Nutrition is the aspect of science that interprets the relationship of food to the functioning of living organisms. It includes the uptake of food, liberation of energy, elimination of wastes and the biochemical synthesis that are essential for maintenance of normal growth and development (Laditan, 1983).
The school-aged child is likely to spend a greater part of the day at school. Therefore, increasing numbers of meals are eaten away from home, often at establishments where adherence to food safety measures is difficult and may affect good nutrition [Shills, et al. 2006]. The nutritional needs of the school-aged child are high because they participate in school group activities such as sports and recreational programs. The influence of peers and significant adults, like teachers or sports idols, is also increased while friendships and other social contacts become more important [Mahan, and Escott-Stump, 2000]. While the upper primary school students are usually between the ages of 9-12 some may be older due to late start of school. Thus, most of these students may be classified as early adolescents. The adolescent is considered especially vulnerable nutritionally because there is an increased demand for nutrients related to the dramatic increase in physical growth, psychosocial and cognitive development. Moreover, the changes in their lifestyle and food habits affect both nutrient intakes and needs.
The school age is a dynamic period of growth and development. During this period physical, mental, social development of child takes place [Singh V, West KP (2004)]. Poor health and malnutrition may impair both the growth and cognitive development of primary school children. School children are dramatically affected by anemia (Hasan et al. 2013), vitamin A deficiency (Brooker et al. 2006) and parasitic infections (Awasthi & Bundy 2007) with adverse impact on their nutritional status (Casapia et al. 2006) as well as on their cognitive development and school performance also (Pollitt, 1999, Singh, 2004, Florence, Asbridge & Veugelers, 2008, Ong et al. 1991).
High levels of stunting among children suggest that there will also be a long term deficit in mental and physical development that leaves children unable to take maximum advantage of learning opportunities in schools. Epidemiological evidences suggest a strong link between maternal and early childhood under nutrition and increased adult risk of various chronic diseases [United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) 2000].
Taking of adequate nutrients from foods, both in quantity and in quality and the body’s capability to utilize them appropriately to meet its metabolic needs of health and fitness describes the concept of nutritional status. (Adegun, et. al., 2013)
Malnutrition does not often exert equal impact on all population groups. Certain factors and circumstances dictate the target of occurrence (Keke, 1990). The causes of malnutrition are multidimensional and include both food and non food factors such as low income, uneven household food distribution, poor sanitation, infection, inadequate food production, marketing and preservation as well as poor knowledge of nutrition (Chen and Dseusa, 1981).
Malnutrition arises from a complex of nutritional, social and biological deprivation and is manifested in various forms such as stunting (short stature), underweight, muscle wasting, growth retardation, diminished subcutaneous fat and ill health with high mortality rate (Onimawo et al., 2006). Growth is an increase in size, its progress is mainly structural, and can be measured with some degree of reliability in terms of height, weight, age etc. (Apley, 1979). There are wide variations in the rates at which the height and weight of children are subsequently attained. This is as a result of several factors such as quality and quantity of food, family income, family size and genetic constitution which may contribute to these variations (Beaton et al., 1990).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
According to the WHO, in 2011 over 101 million children under the age of 5 were underweight (low weight for age), 165 million were stunted (low height for age), and approximately 52 million were wasted (low weight for height) (WHO. 2012). Consequently, estimates of the prevalence of malnutrition among school-aged children suggest that these indicators do not improve much with age. In 2010, according to the Growth and Assessment Surveillance Unit of the WHO, the global prevalence rate of malnutrition among school-age children (5-14 years old) as indicated by the prevalence of stunting, was approximately 28% (171 million children), with Eastern Africa suffering a higher rate of 45% (de Onis, Blossner, & Borghi, 2011). A major study of school-age children from developing countries found the overall prevalence of stunting to range between 48-52% with an overall prevalence of underweight between 34-62%; the Standing Committee on Nutrition (SCN) notes that among school-age children stunting and underweight are more prevalent than wasting. In addition, among this age group, the most significant micronutrient deficiencies include Vitamin A and Iron deficiencies (Standing Committee on Nutrition. December 2002). Focusing on improving the nutritional well being of school-age children has the potential to reduce the severity of stunting, increase weight, and support cognitive function and possibly prevent severe consequences (Acham, et al. 2012, Standing Committee on Nutrition. December 2002.)
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The broad objective of this project was to assess the nutritional status of children 11-13 years in selected public secondary schools in your community (isiala mbano LGA (okohia). The specific objectives of the study were to:
- Assess the food consumption pattern of children 11-13 years.
- Collect anthropometric data (i.e. height and weight) of the selected to assess their nutritional status.
- Assess relationship between the socio-economic and socio-demographic characteristics of parents of the selected students and the nutritional status of the children 11-13 years
1.4 Research question
- What is the food consumption pattern of children 11-13 years ?
- What are the anthropometric data (i.e. height and weight) of the selected to assess their nutritional status ?
- Is there a relationship between the socio-economic and socio-demographic characteristics of parents of the selected students and the nutritional status of the children 11-13 years
1.5 Hypothesis of the Study
The following hypothesis was formulated and tested by the study;
- H0: there is no relationship between the socio-economic and socio-demographic characteristics of parents of the selected students and the nutritional status of the children 11-13 years.
- Hi: there is a relationship between the socio-economic and socio-demographic characteristics of parents of the selected students and the nutritional status of the children 11-13 years.
1.6 Significance of the Study
Nutritional status assessment of school children serves as a screening tool to identify children who may need nutritional intervention and so prevent further deterioration in their nutritional status and reducing the risk of poor performance in school and in the society at large.
Several studies have shown that several factors are associated with nutritional status of children. However, among the studies that have been conducted so far, the factors associated with malnutrition differ within countries or even regions around the world. Isiala Mbano LGA (OKOHIA) has its own special characteristics in terms of socio-economic, water and sanitation, food security and feeding practices but data on how these factors impact on nutrition status of children is scanty.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study will explore the anthropometric data (i.e. height and weight) of the selected to assess their nutritional status, it also considered the socio-economic factors; water and sanitation, food security and feeding practices and how these factors impact on nutrition status of children in Isiala Mbano LGA (Okohia) Nigeria.
1.8 Limitation of the Study
In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. However, the researcher were able to manage these just to ensure the success of this study.
1.9 Definition of Terms
The following terms were used in the course of this study:
Nutritional Status:
Refers to the physical well-being of the child in weight and height.
Socio-demographic Factors:
These include age, gender, birth order, etc..
1.10 Organization of the Study
This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows.
- Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study.
- Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature.
- Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study.
- Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.
- Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.
Chapter Five
Sumarry, Conclusion and Recommendation
5.1 Summary
The study established that malnutrition is high among children. These high levels qualify the area to be classified as chronic food insecure area. The high self-reported level of exclusive breast feeding does not translate into improved nutritional status in older children.
There is high morbidity experience, generally due to poor sanitation and high incidence of use of unsafe water in the area. Food production among the study household is inadequate, due to farming on small pieces of land (2 acres) and low rainfall, limit their capacity to produce enough food. Diet diversity is poor comprising mainly starchy food followed by legumes. Households depend on market supply for their vegetable and fruits and therefore ability to acquire them entirely depends on purchasing power.
5.2 Conclusion
This study set out to assess the nutritional status of public secondary school students in Isiala Mbano L.G.A.. The students under study have evidently poor nutritional status which was confirmed by more than one method of assessment of nutritional status (Anthropometry and Dietary intake assessment). This poor nutritional status is as a result of low dietary intake in terms of quantity and quality.
The prevalence of underweight (acute malnutrition) helps to further confirm the poor nutritional status of the students which can be alleviated by a brief period of nutritional intervention.
The socio economic and socio demographic characteristics of the parents of these selected students have significant effect on the nutritional status of the students.
5.3 Recommendation
Result-oriented Nutrition education must be emphasized at the primary school level in the rural areas not only to the mothers but to the students as well as this will definitely go a long way in getting both the mothers and students informed on the danger of malnutrition.
The Complete Material Will Be Sent to You in Just 2 Steps
Quick & Simple…
Make Payment (Through Transfer) of ₦6,500 to the Account Below
 | Acc No: 0811003731 |
| Samphina Academy | |
| Current Account |
Or CLICK HERE To Pay With Debit Card
| FOR STUDENTS OUTSIDE NIGERIA | |
| CLICK HERE To Pay With Card ($15) | |
| FOR GHANA STUDENTS (GHS 100) | |
 | MTN MoMo |
| 0553978005 | |
| Douglas Osabutey | |
Send the Following Details on WhatsApp ( 07062590260 ) After Payment
- Payment Details
- TOPIC: Assessment Of Nutritional Status Of Children 11-13 Years In Selected Public Secondary Schools In Your Community (A Case Study Of Isiala Mbano L.G.A., Okohia)
The Complete Material Will Be Sent To You On WhatsApp After Receiving Your Details
T & C Apply
Students Review
List of Related Works
Assessment Of Nutritional Status Among Preschool-Aged Children (3-5 Years)
Knowledge And Attitude Of Mothers Towards Child Nutrition In Ugbor Community Benin City Edo State
Food Consumption Patterns And Nutritional Status Assessment Of Bus Drivers In Oja Oba, Osogbo
Effect Of Maternal Literacy On Nutritional Status 0-5 Years
Assessment Of Nutritional Status Among Children Under 5 In Central Hospital, Benin City Edo State
Prevalence Of Malnutrition Among Children 6-59 Months In Nru Nsukka
Determination Of Glycemic Index In Germinated Brown Rice (GBR)
Prevalence Of Malnutrition Among Children And Adolescents In Nsukka Local Government Area
Prevalence Of Malnutrition Among Children Aged 6–59 Months In Nru Nsukka Local Government Area
The Impact And Assessment Of Malnutrition Among Pregnant Women
Nutritional Status And Dietary Pattern Of Athletes
Nutritional Status Of Under-Five Children And Associated Factors
Accessing Of Nutritional Status
Factors That Influence The Nutritional Status Of Primary School Pupils
