Association of Undernutrition with Acute Diarrhoea and Recent Hospitalisation Among Primary School Children in Nnewi, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Undernutrition is a major predisposing factor to common childhood infectious diseases. It contributes to about half of the deaths of children worldwide, especially in low-income countries. The prevalence of childhood undernutrition is still high despite implementing informed and directed interventional strategies. It is plausible some important aetiological factors may not yet be in focus.

Objective:  To explore the relationship between acute diarrhoea and a history of recent hospitalisation for common childhood diseases and undernutrition.

Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on 244 primary school pupils aged 6-12 years in Nnewi, southeast Nigeria. Socio-demographic and other relevant clinical details related to recent diarrhoeal episodes and hospitalisations were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The anthropometric parameters were used to determine the nutritional status using the World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts.

Results: More than half (133; 55.3%) of the participants were males, and most (106; 43.5%) belonged to the low socio-economic classes (SEC). More than half (135; 54.5%) were aged 6-8 years. Low SEC, acute diarrhoea and hospital admission in the preceding six weeks were significantly associated with undernutrition (p <0.001).

Conclusion: Acute diarrhoea and recent hospitalisation in the preceding six weeks were associated with undernutrition among primary school children in Nnewi, southeast Nigeria. Prompt treatment of acute diarrhoea to reduce its duration and prevention of common ailments that lead to hospitalisation may help reduce the incidence of childhood undernutrition.