Predictors of Undernutrition among School-Age Children in Abakaliki, Nigeria

Undernutrition remains a major public health problem, especially in developing countries. Identification of factors affecting undernutrition among school-age children will guide prioritization of interventions. We determined the predictors of underweight, thinness and stunting among this age group.

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 780 school children aged 6 to 12 years using a multistage probability sampling method. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to document sociodemographic information and potential predictors of undernutrition. Weight and height were measured using SECA® weighing scale and stadiometer. Body Mass Index (BMI), Z scores of the weight-for-age, BMI-for-age and height-for-age were calculated using the WHO Anthro plus software. Data was entered and analyzed using the Epi Info version 7.2. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of undernutrition at 5% level of significance.

Of a total of 751 pupils, 397 (52.9%) were females and 595 (79.2%) were in public schools. Significant predictors of underweight were lower maternal education (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.7; 95%CI: 1.33-5.44) and age 10-12years (aOR 5.0; 95%CI:1.49-17.05). Thinness was predicted by age 10-12years (aOR 3.1; 95%CI 1.32-7.27) and rural dwelling (aOR 2.2; 95%CI:1.2-4.08) whereas stunting was predicted by age 10-12 years (aOR 5.2; 95%CI:2.14-12.68) and rural dwelling (aOR 2.3; 95%CI 1.3-4.1).

Undernutrition was higher among rural dwellers, at age 10 to 12 years and with low maternal education.