Facing two faces of malnutrition among schooling adolescents in North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

 Adolescence is a period of transition in which there are unique nutritional requirements. Our study determined the nutritional status of adolescents, schooling in north-central Nigeria.  A cross-sectional study was conducted among 512 in-school adolescents. The sociodemographic and anthropometric data were analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22 and the WHO Anthro software (Version 3.1.0) respectively. Chi square statistics tested the association between categorical variables at 5% level of statistical significance. Binary logistic regression analysis determined the predictors of anthropometric indicators. From eight public schools, 512 students were interviewed, 53.5% of which were girls. While 21% were underweight, 20% were overweight, 12.1% were stunted and 0.1% was obese. Being from a polygamous family was predictive of stunting. The dietary pattern was starchy and meat consumption was rare. Meal skipping and snacking were common.

The two faces of malnutrition were common among the adolescent students. There is a need for nutrition education and effective school mental health policies in Nigeria and across Africa. Good nutrition among adolescents has an impact on mental health and education – two promising pillars to support the demographic dividend of Africa’s youthful population.