Nutritional status of nursery school children: a comparison between Lagos State (Southern Nigeria) and Jos, Plateau State (Northern Nigeria)

This comparative study was carried out to assess the nutritional status of preschool children in the Southern part of Nigeria (Lagos) and Jos, Plateau State in the Northern part of Nigeria. A total of 393 nursery school children aged 24-77 months in 5 schools (3 in Jos, 2 in Lagos) were randomly selected by multistage sampling. Anthropometric data (height, weight and age) were taken from the subjects and dietary information, weaning and breastfeeding history and general socio economic data were obtained from the parents by administering questionnaires. Weight/Height Z-score (WHZ) differed significantly between Jos (3.0%) and Lagos (11.6%), while weight/age (WAZ) was found to have the same prevalence rate in both locations (2.5%) each. This WAZ score is the normal expected prevalence in a standard population of children. Height/Age Z-scores (HAZ) were not statistically different in both South and North, 2.5% HAZ < -2.0 SD in Jos and 0.0% HAZ < -2.0 SD in Lagos. The intestinal parasitosis rates in this study were as follows: in Jos, a 13.5% infection rate was found, and in Lagos, the infection rate was 8.8%.     

Evaluation of nutritional status and incidence of anaemia among primary school children in Lagos, Nigeria

A list of 53 primary schools was obtained from Ikorodu Local Government of Lagos State, Nigeria. Five primary schools were chosen from the list by numerical series which had a total of 4,515 pupils representing 13.6#pc of the total primary school population. Two hundred and fifty pupils were chosen randomly using Fisher#shYates random sample table. The following information enumerated from the study.

Chi-square value [P#lt.05] showed relationship between the PCV level and nutritional status of the children. Similar association also showed between the MCHC and nutritional status. Twenty four had their PCV less than 30 while 21 had the MCHC less than 33 which is an indicator of iron deficiency anaemia.

The stool examination showed a total of 180 [72#pc] pupils comprising of 89 [70.6#pc] males and 91 [73.4#pc] females had intestinal parasites. Ascaris and Trischuris and hookworm were commonly identified among the children. This also indicated a chi-square value [P#lt.05] association between the nutritional status and worm infestation.     

A study on the effects of urbanization on the nutritional status of primary school children in Lagos, Nigeria

A study on the effects of urbanization on the nutritional status of primary school children aged 5-10 years was carried out in Lagos. A total of 328 children and their parents were studied with the aid of a questionnaire, anthropometric measurements of weights and heights and stool microscopy. The study revealed a prevalence of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) among the children to be 37.9%. 125 (38.2%) of them were found to have weight-for-height below -2SD (standard deviation) signifying wasting, while another 133 (40.5%) had a height-for-age below -2SD, indicating the level of stunting among the children. Most of the malnourished children 125 (60.7%) were found to belong to mothers with a maximum of primary school education and 73 (52.5%) were from mothers who were skilled workers. There was a preponderance of malnourished children from single parents. All the children (100%) from single parents were found to be clinically malnourished. And 280 (84.9%) of all children examined had ova and cyst of intestinal parasites (Ascaris, Tricuris, Amoeba, etc.) in their stools. And finally, most children 223 (67.7%) spent less than 6 hours contact time with their parents per day.     

School absenteeism among orphans and vulnerable children in Lagos State,Nigeria: a situational analysis

Knowledge of factors associated with school absenteeism among orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) who are at greater risk could facilitate effective policies to mitigate school dropouts. This study assessed the level of school absenteeism and its associated factors among OVC in five local government areas (LGAs) in Lagos State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study of OVC households in purposively selected five LGAs in Lagos State was conducted. Enrolled vulnerable households were based on the National Household Vulnerability Assessment criteria. School absenteeism was measured by whether the OVC missed any school day, for any reason in the last school week. Data were collected by personal interview using a semi-structured questionnaire. IBM SPSS Statistics, version 20, was used for all analysis of data collected on schooling of OVC aged 10–17 years. Chi-square test and logistic regression model were used to determine significance of associations at 5% level. The 757 OVC participants were aged 13.1±2.2 years and their caregivers were aged 43.1±13.9 years from 1300 households. There was high proportion of school enrolment (85.7%) as well as absenteeism (20%). The rate of absenteeism among OVC was significantly higher among those who involved in household chores (31.2%) and who often sleep at night without food (40.0%). The odds of absenteeism were almost twice higher among OVC who involved in household chores (odds ratio [OR]: 1.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–3.27), whose guardian could not pay unexpected expenses (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.05–3.02) and those from households where there was often no food (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.04–3.27). A high rate of OVC school enrolment might not translate to regular school attendance. Also, a high proportion of school absenteeism can be attributed to OVC engagement in house chores, poor economy and food insecurity. Economic empowerment of OVC caregivers may improve school attendance.     

Nutritional status and intelligence quotient of primary schoolchildren in Akure community of Ondo State, Nigeria

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 402 children (10-15 years) randomly selected from twelve public and private primary schools in Akure community of Ondo State, Nigeria. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on children's demographic features and parent's socio-economic characteristics. The subject's weight, height, height-for-age and weight-for-height z-score were measured and determined respectively. Raven Standard Progressive Matrices consisted of 60 questions was administered in a quiet classroom within 60 minutes to assess intelligence quotient (IQ) of the children. The means of measured parameters were: age, 11.5 +/- 0.08 years; weight, 33.3 +/- 0.35 kg; height, 1.4 +/- 0.0 m; height-for-age z-score, -0.003 +/- 0.04; weight-for-height z-score -7.2E-7 +/- 0.1 and IQ, 20.9 +/- 0.56 (34.8%). The occupations of the children's parents were civil service (43.3%), petty business (21.9%), farming (15.8%), vocational jobs (16.0%) and none (3.2%). The majority of the parents (31.8%) had secondary school education. Parents with no formal education, primary education, tertiary education and higher degrees accounted for 7.2%, 30.6%, 22.9% and 7.4%, respectively. Monthly incomes ranged between $38.5 and 230.8. Weight-for-height z-score of the children showed that 49.8% were normal, 40% mildly wasted, 9.7% moderately wasted and 0.5% severely wasted. Height-for-age z-score was 50% normal, 35.1% mildly stunted, 13.4% moderately stunted and 1.5% severely stunted. IQ scores were 5% superior 11.2% above average, 11.4% average, 8.2% below average and 64.2% intellectual deficit. The interrelationship between height-for-age, IQ and socio-demographic characteristics showed that there were insignificant differences between the age groups, gender and socio-economic status of the pupils. Conclusively, this study showed that the proportion of malnourished and intellectual deficit among the studied population were high. However, it is not clear whether the findings are specific to the studied population alone or applicable to other parts of Nigeria. Further studies are therefore needed to confirm these findings.     

Sleep problems in primary school children: comparison between mainstream and special school children

This paper reports on a study of the prevalence and social correlates of dyssomnias, features associated with obstructive sleep apnoea, and parasomnias in primary school children aged 4-12. Head teachers of schools selected randomly from lists of local primary and special schools were contacted by telephone and asked to distribute a questionnaire package to the parents of all pupils aged 4-12 years. In all, 890 parents of children from mainstream schools and 300 from special schools were approached. The response rates were 64.7% and 60%, respectively. The results showed that significantly higher proportions of children in special schools than in mainstream schools presented four of the five dyssomnias investigated and all of the features associated with obstructive sleep apnoea. In contrast, only two of the seven parasomnias were presented by higher proportions of the children in special schools. Age and gender differences for the two groups of children are presented. Finally, multiple correlations were computed between a range of child, family, and environmental characteristics and the three problems most frequently reported: frequency of settling problems; sleeping in the parents' bed; and night waking. The findings are discussed with reference to other studies of children's sleep problems, and the implications for treatment are considered.     

Assessing the contribution of soybean utilisation on the nutritional status of children from low-income families: Lagos State,Nigeria as a case study

Questionnaires were administered to mothers from 120 randomly selected households. Anthropometric measurement of 258 children from these households were taken, to assess the contribution of soybean in the diet of the infants from low income families in Lagos State (Imota, Idimu and Badagry), Nigeria. The result showed that majority of the mothers either have no formal education or were primary-school leavers. Most mothers were categorised into low-income earners because they earn about N500 (US$6) per month. The frequency of soybean consumption in Idimu and Imota is significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of Badagry. Although the frequency of animal protein consumption in Badagry households is significantly higher (P < 0.05), it is found to be inadequate to meet their daily requirements. The protein intakes were between 92-110, 97-100 and 75-103% of FAO requirements for the children in Idimu, Imota and Badagry respectively. The weight and height of children from Idimu and Imota are higher than the children from Badagry. About 26, 32 and 71% of the children studied in Idimu, Imota and Badagry respectively fell below the WHO 5th centile bracket of weight for age. These differences are attributed to the introduction and contribution of soybean (a cheaper source of protein) to Imota and Idimu.     

Assessing the contribution of soybean utilisation on the nutritional status of children from low-income families: Lagos State, Nigeria as a case study

Questionnaires were administered to mothers from 120 randomly selected households. Anthropometric measurement of 258 children from these households were taken, to assess the contribution of soybean in the diet of the infants from low-income families in Lagos State (Imota, Idimu and Badagry), Nigeria. The result showed that majority of the mothers either have no formal education or were primary-school leavers. Most mothers were categorised into low-income earners because they earn about N500 (US$6) per month. The frequency of soybean consumption in Idimu and Imota is significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of Badagry. Although the frequency of animal protein consumption in Badagry households is significantly higher (P < 0.05), it is found to be inadequate to meet their daily requirements. The protein intakes were between 92-110, 97-100 and 75-103% of FAO requirements for the children in Idimu, Imota and Badagry respectively. The weight and height of children from Idimu and Imota are higher than the children from Badagry. About 26, 32 and 71% of the children studied in Idimu, Imota and Badagry respectively fell below the WHO 5th centile bracket of weight for age. These differences are attributed to the introduction and contribution of soybean (a cheaper source of protein) to Imota and Idimu.     

Nutritional status of primary school children from low income households in kuala lumpur

Growth status was examined in relation to gender and age factors in urban primary school children (6-10 years old) from low income households in Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan. The sample consisted of 4212 boys (53%) and 3793 girls (47%). Data on weight and height data were obtained from two sources - investigator's and teachers' measurements of the school children. This study defined mildly and significantly underweight, stunted or wasted as z-score below minus one and below minus two of the NCHS/CDC reference median, respectively. Approximately 52% (n = 4149), 50% (n = 3893) and 30% (n = 2568) of the school children were underweight, stunted and wasted, respectively. However, the majority of these undernourished children were in the mild category. Prevalence of overweight (> 2 SD of NCHS/WHO reference median) was found in 5.8% of the sample. For both, prevalence of undernutrition and overnutrition, more boys than girls were found to be underweight stunted wasted and overweight. Compared to girls, boys had lower mean z-scores for the variables height-for-age (p<0.05) and weight-for-height (p<0.01). Older children had significantly lower mean z-scores for height-for-age (p<0.001) but higher mean z-scores for weight-for-height (P<0.001) than younger children. This finding indicates that with increasing age, stunting is associated with improved weight-for-height or that the children's weights have been adapted to their short statures. In conclusion, results demonstrate a high prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting and an increasing prevalence of overweight among these low-income school children. Efforts recommended to address health and nutrition problems among school children should include health and nutrition monitoring (e.g. growth monitoring using the existing growth data collected by schools) and interventions.     

武陵山区苗族中小学生营养状况分析

目的:了解武陵山区苗族中小学生营养现状,为制定相应防治措施提供依据。方法:应用人体测量法测量苗族学生的身高和体重,采用《中国学生7～22岁身高标准体重值》评价学生营养状况。结果:武陵山区苗族学生的超重率为12.72%,肥胖率为4.44%,营养不良率为7.00%。营养不良率女生明显高于男生,中学生高于小学生;超重肥胖率男生高于女生,小学生高于中学生。结论:武陵山区苗族学生的营养不良和营养过剩并存,中学女生的营养不良及小学生肥胖应成为重点关注问题。     

An epidemiological comparison of parasitic infection among preschool children in four areas in Lagos, Nigeria

This study was carried out using four contrasted areas in Lagos, Agege, Mafoluku, Adeniyi-Jones Village and Allen Avenue by incidental sampling method. No other statistical sampling method was viable due to limitation posed by the parents of the subjects.

An estimated 39.3#pc of parasites infection was identified from the low socio economic pre-school children. Out of 20 pre-school children from highly socio economic status,” Allen Avenue” was tested negative of any parasite. The most common parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides followed by Trichuria Trichurias. 32 children from Adeniyi-Jones Village were infected. 27 children within the age of 0-24 months surveyed from Agege and Mafoluku were infected of the same similar parasites.

Socio economic status played a significant role in this study. Children from Allen Avenue with higher environmental sanitation compared with other three areas carried no parasites. A total of 18 #op12.0#pc#cp females were infected while 27.3#pc of the males were infected. A higher percentage rate occured among females than males though no association was made between the sexes.     

Dental health of primary school children in Zaria City, Northern Nigeria

A dental health study of primary school children in Zaria City, Northern Nigeria, in mid-1979,showed that approximately, half of the children aged 5–9 years had experienced dental caries in their deciduous dentition, and about one third of the children aged 5–16 years had similar experience in their permanent dentition. The treatment level was virtually nil since none of these children had any fillings. Eighty seven point five per cent of the children had gingivitis and half of them had extensive pathology in their anterior segments. Provision of adequate dental health services which will include dental health education, facilities and personnel for early diagnosis and early treatment for these and other such school children would make a very valuable contribution to sound dental health in Nigeria.     

Food and nutrient intakes of primary school children: a comparison of school meals and packed lunches

Background New school meal standards are currently being phased in by the government in an attempt to improve the nutritional composition of school food. However, no standards are applied to packed lunches. The present study aimed to compare the food and nutrient intakes of primary school children eating a school meal with those taking a packed lunch. Methods A sample of 120 children, aged 6–11 years, was observed once at a lunch time and all items consumed were recorded. Nutrient analysis was performed, and differences in nutrient intake between those children consuming packed lunches and school meals were determined. Results Mean energy and protein intakes were similar. The amount of energy provided by starchy carbohydrate was also similar but, compared with school meals, packed lunches provided twice as much energy from sugar (P < 0.001). School meals on average provided more energy from fat (P < 0.001), but intakes of saturated fat were lower in the school meals group (P = 0.021). Packed lunches provided more sodium (P < 0.001), calcium (P < 0.001) and iron (P = 0.016) than the school meals. Very few packed lunches contained vegetables, and fruit intake was particularly low for those having a school meal. Conclusions Children taking a packed lunch to school were consuming approximately double the amount of sugar and 50% more sodium and saturated fat in their midday meal compared with those having a school lunch. However packed lunches were providing children with more calcium, iron and fruit.     

Assessment of nutritional status using anthropometric methods on 1-4 year old children in an urban ghetto in Lagos, Nigeria

This study assessed the nutritional status using anthropometry of 1-4 year old children in an urban slum in the Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State, with a view to determining the impact of urbanization on child health. A total of 365 children were enrolled using multistage random sampling techniques. Anthropometric measurements used were weight and height. Height-for-age, weight-for-height, and weight-for-age Z-scores below -2.00 SD of the reference NCHS standard were used to define stunting, wasting and underweight, respectively. The study revealed a prevalence of underweight of 39.2%, stunting of 34.5% and wasting of 21.9%. The mean of weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height and mid-upper-arm-circumference were less than the mean of the NCHS reference population. This difference might be due to the socio economic backgrounds of the two populations. Using the modified Wellcome Classification of malnutrition, 37.8% of the children were malnourished. Most subjects came from homes with inadequate water supply and poor refuse disposal methods.     

Traditional child spacing practices of women: experiences from a primary care project in Lagos, Nigeria

The study carried out within the target population of a Primary Care Project in Lagos, Nigeria, found that some changes had occurred. The traditional length of abstinence has decreased, and more women now resume sex before termination of breast-feeding. This should give rise to some concern especially if the level of adoption of modern contraception does not rise correspondingly. Other changes regarding the opinion of mothers about some of the practices, and the danger of the current trend of starting infant formula earlier in the post partum period are discussed.     

2017年北京市中小学生营养状况及饮食行为分析

目的 本次调查旨在分析2017年北京市中小学生肥胖、消瘦及一些营养相关行为的流行情况,为制定更有效的干预措施提供依据。方法 采用多阶段分层整群抽样方法,共调查18所学校3488名学生,其中城区学生1782名(51.09%),农村学生1706名(48.91%)。小学生2262名(64.85%),中学生1226名(35.15%);男生1786名(51.20%),女生1702名(48.80%)。结果 北京市中小学生肥胖率为12.76%,消瘦率为13.39%。城乡学生肥胖率分别为10.83%、14.77%,农村高于城区(P<0.001)。男女生肥胖率分别为16.52%、8.81%,男生高于女生(P<0.001)。小学生的肥胖率和消瘦率都高于中学生(χ2=4.259,P=0.039;χ2=14.171,P<0.001)。16.40%的学生报告早餐常吃不饱。女生饮水不足率为18.20%,将近是男生的2倍,而男生经常喝饮料率高达35.05%,女生中也有28.32%经常喝饮料。小学生比中学生盲目吃减肥药的多(χ2=9.363,P=0.002)。46例体重正常的学生和50例消瘦的学生报告盲目吃减肥药。结论 北京市中小学生的营养状况不容乐观,肥胖和营养不良并存。