Pattern of Malnutrition and the Associated Factors Among Primary School Pupils in Ikenne Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition is currently a major problem among school-age children in Nigeria, with studies reporting prevalences of over 20% and almost 10% for stunting and obesity, respectively. Adequate facts are required for evidence-based solutions to address this problem.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition and its associated factors among primary school pupils in Ikenne Local Government Area (LGA), Ogun State, Nigeria.

Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study among 320 primary school pupils aged 6-12 years, selected through a multistage sampling technique. The study instrument was a purpose-developed, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire, while body weight and height were measured using a Desco weighing scale and stadiometer.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 8.6 ± 1.9 years, while 50.9% (163/320) were female. The study showed that 28.4%, 12.2%, 7.5%, 20.0% and 8.4% of the children were stunted, wasted, underweight, overweight and obese, respectively. Age (p = 0.016) and gender (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with underweight, while age was significantly associated with wasting, stunting, overweight and obesity (p = 0.001). Age was also a significant predictor of stunting (AOR = 0.538, 95% CI = 0.300-0.963 and 0.417, 0.203-0.859, respectively) and overweight (AOR = 0.357, 95% CI = 0.195-0.655 and 0.295, 0.121-0.720, respectively).

Conclusion: Malnutrition is common among pupils in Ikenne LGA of Nigeria and needs to be addressed. School-age children should be fed appropriately and encouraged to maintain regular physical activity to ensure a good nutritional status.