Correlation of non-biological factors with anthropometric and haemoglobin measurements of children under 10 years old in southeast, Nigeria: Community-based study

Abstract

Background: Childhood malnutrition also has non-biological determinants and little is known about it.

Objective: To determine the differences in children’s height, weight and haemoglobin concentration across different sociodemographic characteristics.

Design: The study was a community-based study. The weight and height of the children were measured. The Z-scores were calculated. Blood was taken for haemoglobin estimation. Regression analysis was done to determine correlates.

Results: More rural children (32%) have stunting and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.003). There was no difference in the prevalence of underweight among under urban (32.4%) and rural (33.4%) children. Children from the rural areas were more likely to be moderate-severely anaemic (19.7%) and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.003). Household size significantly relates to underweight and childhood anaemia (p = 0.002 and p = 0.036 respectively). Mother’s education were significantly related to tunting and childhood anaemia (p = 0.010 andp = 0.001 respectively). Childhood anaemia was significantly related to mother’s education (p = 0.001) and household (p = 0.036).

Conclusions: Maternal age and education, household size and place of resident of a child affect children nutritional status. Improved education, and family planning can contribute to the reduction in the burden of malnutrition.