Association of nutrient intake adequacy and malnutrition among primary school children in an urban community. Association of nutrient intake adequacy and childhood malnutrition.

Abstract

Background : Nutrient intake adequacy is the bedrock of normal nutritional status among children globally. Studies have shown the devastating impact of childhood malnutrition despite current interventional strategies, hence the need to explore the possible association of inadequate nutrient intake and malnutrition among school children. Aim: This study aimed to determine the association of nutrient intake adequacy and  malnutrition among primary school children in Nnewi, Southeast Nigeria. Method: This cross- sectional descriptive study was carried  on primary school  aged children, however 203 of the participants were enrolled for the analysis as 69 of them were excluded since they had mis-report of energy intake. Socio-demographic data was collected using a pretested interviewer administered questionnaire. The adequacy of nutrients present in their immediate past 24-hour dietary recall was analyzed using Nigerian and West African food composition table software. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version21.0 windows with level of  significance for test set at 5%. Results: Out of 203 primary school aged children  with adequately reported energy intake enrolled into the study, 116(57.1%) were male with male female ratio of  1.3:1. Inadequate intake of all macronutrients, vitamin A and calcium were associated with under-nutrition (P < 0.05)  While inadequate intake of total energy, fat and calcium were associated with overweight/obesity. (P<0.05). Conclusion: Nutritional counselling on the need for adequate fortification of routine meals to provide daily requirement of both macro and micro nutrients, especially Vitamin A and calcium can help mitigate the impact of childhood malnutrition in the sub region.