Assessment of Nutritional status of children under-five years in Ido-Osi Local Government Area, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition in children under-five years is a major public health problem and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries.

Objective: To assess the nutritional status and pattern of infant feeding practices of under-five years children in Ido-Osi Local government Area, Ekiti State, South west, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the nutritional status of 419 children aged 0-59 months. Respondents were selected from Primary Health Care centers and nursery and primary schools in the study area using simple random sampling technique. Data on demographic profile and feeding pattern of the under-five were obtained from their Mothers using interviewer-administered questionnaire while anthropometric measurements of the children were taken. Data collected were analyzed using World health Organization (WHO) Anthro package for under five and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.

Results: A total of 419 children; 281(52.0%) males and 201 (48.0%) females aged 0-59 months were enrolled into this study. Of the under-five assessed 34(8.11%) were underweight, 67(15.99%) were stunted while 34(8.11%) were wasted. A total of 31(88.6%) mothers practiced exclusive breastfeeding for 0-6months, 42(48.84%) practiced early initiation of breastfeeding between 30-60mimnutes after delivery according to WHO standard. Underweight, wasting and stunting were 12.12%, 9.09%, 31.82% and 15.0%, 20.0%, 35.0% among children exclusively breastfed and those who were not respectively.

Conclusion: Malnutrition especially stunting rate was high in the study area but low among children exclusively breastfed. Nutrition programs on appropriate feeding practices to promote good nutritional status is recommended.