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Dietary patterns and nutritional status of pre-school children in Nairobi

E M Ngatia1, P M Ng'ang'a, J W G Muita

  • 1Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 19676-00202, Nairobi, Kenya.

East African Medical Journal
|February 3, 2006
PubMed

Insights

This study found that preschool children in Nairobi, Kenya, exhibit good nutritional status, with diverse diets contributing to low malnutrition rates. Parental age was also linked to better child nutrition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Childhood nutrition is critical for development.
  • Understanding dietary patterns is key to improving health outcomes in young children.
  • Kenyan preschool children's nutritional status requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the dietary patterns of preschool children in Nairobi, Kenya.
  • To assess the nutritional status of these children.
  • To identify factors influencing their nutritional well-being.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted in Nairobi, Kenya.
  • 304 preschool children (3-5 years) participated.
  • Dietary intake and nutritional status were assessed.

Main Results:

  • 96% of children were breastfed, with a mean duration of 20.17 months.
  • Common daily foods included fruits, vegetables, ugali, porridge, and milk.
  • Malnutrition rates were low: underweight (16%), stunting (4.3%), wasting (1.0%).
  • Maternal and paternal age positively correlated with nutritional status.

Conclusions:

  • Preschool children in Nairobi consume a variety of foods.
  • Good nutritional status is likely due to diverse diets and high parental literacy.
  • Interventions should consider dietary diversity and parental education.
Abstract

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