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Anthropometric measurement in children aged 0-6 years in a Nigerian village
G A Oyedeji1, S K Olamijulo, A I Osinaike
1Department of Paediatrics, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Insights
Nigerian preschool children face significant health challenges, with high rates of malnutrition and infections. Addressing socio-economic factors is crucial for improving child health and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Childhood malnutrition and infectious diseases are significant public health concerns in many developing regions.
- Understanding the prevalence and patterns of these health issues is vital for effective intervention strategies.
- Previous studies highlight the vulnerability of young children to environmental and nutritional factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the anthropometric status and prevalence of common illnesses in Nigerian village children.
- To identify the primary causes of morbidity among preschool-aged children in the surveyed population.
- To provide data for the development of targeted health and socio-economic improvement programs.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 703 Nigerian village children aged 0-6 years.
- Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference) were conducted.
- Physical examinations were performed to identify common symptoms and signs of illness.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of underweight (66.9%) and stunting (60.5%) below the third percentile.
- Over 25% of children aged 1-5 years exhibited moderate to severe malnutrition based on mid-upper arm circumference.
- Common morbidities included fever, cough, diarrhea, skin lesions, and signs of protein-energy malnutrition; hepatomegaly (48.2%) and splenomegaly (23%) were also prevalent.
Conclusions:
- Malnutrition, sickle cell disease, malaria, and infections are leading causes of morbidity in Nigerian preschool children.
- Urgent improvements in socio-economic conditions and living standards are recommended.
- Implementation of appropriate control measures is essential to reduce childhood illness and mortality.
Abstract:
Seven hundred and three Nigerian village children in their first six years of life were subjected to anthropometric measurements and physical examination in early 1988. The heights of 66.9% and weights of 60.5% of them fell below the third percentile of a Nigerian equivalent for international reference population standard. Mid upper arm circumference values indicated moderate to severe malnutrition in over 25% of all 1-5 year old children surveyed. Fever, cough, headache and diarrhoea were the commonest symptoms encountered in the children. Mild pallor of the conjunctival mucosa and physical signs of protein energy malnutrition were commonly seen. Fungal and septic skin lesions were present in 11.45 and 11.1% of the children respectively, whilst rhinorrhoea was seen in 4.7%, otitis media in 6% and pharyngotonsillitis in 3.3%. Thirty four (4.8%) of the children had haemic whereas five had pathological murmurs. Dental calculi were present in 15.8%, umbilical herniae in 18.2%, hepatomegaly in 48.2% and splenomegaly in 23% of the children. Seven (1%) had cerebral palsy. The implication is that malnutrition, sickle cell disease, malaria and other infections are the prevailing causes of morbidity in the preschool aged children surveyed. Desirable improvements include upgrading socio-economic and living conditions and instituting appropriate control measures.