Nutritional Status of Children (2-5 Years) in Isiala Ngwa North L.G.A, Abia State, Nigeria

The study assessed the nutritional status of children aged 2-5 years in Isiala Ngwa North L.G.A, Abia State. One hundred and fifty pre-school children were randomly selected for the survey of which 78 were males and 72 females. Structured and validated questionnaires were used in data collection. Data collection included personal information of the child, family information, food habits/dietary pattern of the children, anthropometric measurements of the preschool children and food frequency questionnaire. Data obtained from the survey were analysed using descriptive statistics - frequency, percentages and correlation. The statistical software SPSS version 18 was used for analysis, cross tabulation and chi square analysis were used to examine the relationship between the variables. Significance was accepted at P < 0.05. The indicators of nutritional status were calculated using WHO Anthro. The results showed that 10% of the respondents were wasted, 36% stunted and about 20.3% were underweight. Malnutrition was more prevalent among females than in males. The foods frequently consumed by the respondents were carbohydrates, for example, garri, rice and bread. Protein rich foods sometimes complemented their diets consciously or unconsciously with foods like fish, crayfish, beans and milk being consumed by the respondents. Socioeconomic and demographic variables like type of cooking fuel used, type of house, single parenthood, monthly income, source of drinking water and toilet facility had a significant association (P<0.05) on the nutritional status of the respondents. The nutritional status of preschool children in this study was poor. Adequate nutrition is essential to children's growth and development.