Nutritional Status of Children 0 – 23 Months in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nigeria Nutritional Status of Infant and Young Children

Abstract

Background: Adequate nutrition is essential to the growth and development of children. The North-West region of Nigeria is the most  affected in the country with Zamfara State having the worst malnutrition problem in the region.
Objective: The aim of this research was to assess the nutritional status of infants and young children (0 to 23 months) in Tsafe LGA of  Zamfara State.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 256 randomly selected infant and young children. Anthropometric indices  (weight, length and MUAC) were measured using WHO method. Biochemical and haematological parameters were determined using  semi-auto Analyzer (SURECHEM) and hemosmart gold hemoglobin test strip respectively; Zinc, Iron and Calcium was assessed using  Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry.
Results: The anthropometric results revealed that 40.3%, 41.7% and 22.2% of the children studied are wasted, underweight and stunted  respectively. The result also revealed larger proportion of children deficient in calcium (86.7%), iron (51.2%) and zinc (60.2%).
Conclusion: This study indicates that high level of childhood micronutrient deficiencies in Tsafe LGA could be one of the contributors to the poor nutritional status. Government intervention is urgently needed by way of empowerment, provision of food supplements and  enlightenment campaigns.