Household food security and nutritional status among children aged 1-5years in Mainland LGA, Lagos State Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Household food security and malnutrition are common problems that face the Nigerian child. However, inadequate data exists on household food security and nutritional status of the under five children. The purpose of the study is to determine the level of household food security and its correlates, and to determine the nutritional status of children between 1-5years in Mainland Local Government LGA, Lagos State.

Methods: A total of 320 households with 390 children aged 1-5years therein were analyzed. Study area was Mainland Local Government LGA, Lagos State. A descriptive cross-sectional study design using an interviewer administered questionnaire. it contained socio demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, child feeding practices, food frequency table, food insecurity questions from the HFIAS and anthropometric measurements of the children. Data was analysed using epi info (v 3.5.1) statistical software.

Results: only 2.8% of households were food secure. Socio economic factors such as level of education, occupation and household income were found to positively affect household food security. Socio demographic factors such as age, gender, marital status, and household size did not have a statistically significant effect on household food security. The prevalence rates of stunting, underweight and wasting were 45.4%, 8.7% and 1.7% respectively. Most of the children (75.45%) had MUAC values > 13.5cm with 26.45% of them being malnourished. Most of the households had adequate intake of carbohydrates and protein 86.3% and 90.3% respectively.

Conclusion: Very few households were food secure in Mainland Local Government LGA, Lagos State, low socio economic variables shown to worsen the level of food insecurity. High rate of stunting was observed compared to wasting and underweight. An integrated approach will be required to improve the socioeconomic status of the households in Mainland LGA, with maternal education and improved household income at the fore.