Under-five malnutrition in a South-Eastern Nigeria metropolitan city
Chukwuemeka Kenechukwu Jude1, Agozie Ubesie Chukwunedum1,2, Kunle Obidike Egbuna1,2
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu.
Insights
This study found low rates of child malnutrition in Enugu metropolis, with undernutrition linked to lower maternal education and socioeconomic status. Overnutrition risks were associated with higher socioeconomic status, highlighting the need for continued prevention efforts.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Public Health
- Child Development
Background:
- Malnutrition, encompassing both undernutrition and overnutrition, poses significant risks to child health.
- The concurrent presence of undernutrition and overnutrition within a population is a growing area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of malnutrition among children under five years of age in Enugu metropolis.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving pre-primary school children was conducted from January to May 2016.
- Stratified sampling was employed, and data were collected via caregiver-administered questionnaires and physical measurements (weight, height).
- Nutritional status was assessed using the WHO Growth Standard, with statistical analysis performed using SPSS (chi-square tests for associations).
Main Results:
- The prevalence of wasting was 2.4% and stunting was 3.5%.
- Overweight and obesity rates were both 1.5%.
- Maternal education and low socioeconomic class were risk factors for undernutrition, while upper socioeconomic class was a risk factor for overnutrition.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates a low prevalence of malnutrition in the studied population.
- Sustained interventions are crucial to prevent an increase in malnutrition rates and work towards its elimination.
Background:
Malnutrition (under and overnutrition) presents significant threats to child health. The co-existence of under and overnutrition in a population is increasingly being described in the literature.
Objective:
To identify the prevalence of malnutrition among under-five children in Enugu metropolis.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study of pre-primary school children conducted from January to May 2016. using stratified sampling technique. Caregiver-administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information. Weights and heights were measured using a standard weight scale and stadiometer/ length mat respectively. Wasting, stunting, overweight and obesity were determined based on the recommended WHO Growth Standard. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 20.0. The associations between nutritional status on one hand, and categorical variables such as age grouping, sex, socio-economic status, and maternal education were determined using chi square. P-value < 0.05 were reported as statistically significant.
Results:
Eighteen (2.4%) and 26 (3.5%) subjects were wasted and stunted respectively. Eleven (1.5%) subjects were overweight while another 11(1.5%) subjects were obese. Risk factors for undernutrition were maternal education and low socioeconomic class while risk factor for overnutrition was upper socioeconomic class..
Conclusion:
There is a low rate of malnutrition in the area of study. However, sustained efforts must continue to prevent further rise and possibly eliminate the scourge of malnutrition.
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