Anthropometric deficits: Relationship with energy and nutrient intakes of primary school children in Nsukka Lga, Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Anthropometric deficits among schoolchildren are problems of public health concern. Establishment of associated factors is relevant to their prevention and control.

Objective: The study assessed the prevalence of anthropometric deficits and inadequate energy/nutrient intakes among schoolchildren and determined the relationship between them.

Methods: Cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 394 schoolchildren randomly selected from three primary schools in Nsukka LGA. Data collection methods were questionnaire, anthropometry and a 3-day weighed food intake study. Descriptive and inferential statistics of Statistical Product and Service Solution (version 21) were used in statistical analysis. Chi square and Pearson correlation were used to show relationships between nutrient intakes and anthropometric parameters. Precision level was 95%.

Results: Girls constituted 54.6% and 58.4% were 10-14-year-olds. Breakfast was skipped by 70.3% of the children and 13.0% of this skipped breakfast daily. Underweight was found among girls (1.4%), boys (1.1%), and 6-9 year-olds (3.1%). Stunting affected 1.2% of the 6-9-year-olds and 0.9% girls only. Thinness was observed among boys (22.4%), girls (27.0%), 6-9-year-olds (37.8%) and 10-14-year-olds (15.7%). A total of 53.8%, 56.4% and 48.7% had inadequate intakes of protein, calcium and iron, respectively. Vitamin A correlated negatively with weight (r= -0.504, P=0.035), height (r= -0.540, P=0.037) and body mass index (BMI) (r=-0.501, P=0.001) of boys as well as weight (r = -0.911, P=0.000), height (r = -0.768, P=0.010) and BMI (r=-0.714, P=0.020) of girls. Vitamin B3 correlated with weight (r=0.671, P = 0.034), height (r=0.648, P=0.043), BMI (r=0.607, P = 0.045) of boys and weight (r=0.686, P = 0.029), height (r=0.845, P=0.002), BMI (r=0.527, P = 0.042) of girls. Associations of underweight, stunting and thinness with inadequate protein, carbohydrate, vitamins A, B2 and B3 intakes were significant (p <0.05).

Conclusion: Anthropometric deficits among schoolchildren were associated with inadequate protein, carbohydrate, vitamins A, B2 and B3 intakes.

Keywords: Nutrient intake, underweight, stunting, thinness, schoolchildren