Dietary pattern and nutritional status of pupils in primary schools in a semi-urban Local Government, Ogun State, Nigeria: A cross-sectional descriptive study

Abstract

 Background: A major determinant of the nutritional status of children is the dietary intake. Inadequate calories and nutrients in the diets of children are well-documented risk factors for under-nutrition in sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective: The study described the pattern of dietary consumption and its effect on the nutritional status of primary school pupils in a semi-urban community in southwest Nigeria.

Methods: A total of 435 pupils, aged 18 - 192 months, in 15 primary schools (private and public) participated in the study This was a cross-sectional descriptive study using the multistage random sampling technique. Data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and physical examination of pupils.

Results: The initial complementary diet consisted of commercial preparations in 71.8% of the pupils. Commencement of complementary feeding was positively related with the nutritional status (p = 0.002). There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) amongst pupils in private and public schools in the nutritional status and pattern of consumption of fruits, legumes, milk, oils and sugar. Food frequency score of the pupils was not significant by type of school or nutritional status. The Diverse Dietary Score was significantly related to the status of the pupils. Prevalence of obesity and under-nutrition were 6.4% and 46.9%, respectively. Stunting and wasting were more prevalent in the boys than the girls 20.7% vs 17.5% and 21%vs 19.6%, respectively.

Conclusion: The study identified consumption of poor quality diet as being contributory to a high prevalence of malnutrition among primary school pupils in a semi-urban local government

Key words: Dietary pattern, nutritional status, primary school pupils