ABSTRACT
Malnutrition
among pre-school children remains a significant public health challenge,
manifesting as both undernutrition and overnutrition, which impact growth,
development, and long-term health outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the
socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the children and their
caregivers respectively; dietary intake, and anthropometric measurements of
pre-school children. It also explored the relationship between dietary
diversity and anthropometric indicators to provide insights into nutritional
challenges in this population. A cross-sectional study was employed using a
multi-stage sampling technique, 180 pre-school children (2-5 years) were
selected. Data were collected through validated questionnaires, dietary recalls,
and anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI, and MUAC). The data
collected were sorted and analyzed statistically using SPSS (statistical
package for social science) Version 22 and Chi-square test. The data were
presented in frequencies and percentage using descriptive statistics. The
findings revealed a dual burden of malnutrition, with 8.0% of children
underweight, 16.0% overweight, and 7.3% obese. Stunting affected 20.0% of
children, while 95.0% had normal MUAC measurements. Dietary diversity was
moderate for most children (65.6%), with significant associations between
dietary diversity and key anthropometric indicators such as MUAC (p=0.041) and
weight-for-age (p=0.003). Despite adequate staple food consumption, intakes of
fruits, vegetables, and legumes were limited, reflecting a need for improved
dietary quality. The study underscores the critical role of dietary diversity
in improving the nutritional status of pre-school children. It calls for
targeted nutritional interventions, caregiver education, and policies to
enhance access to diverse, nutrient-rich foods, addressing both undernutrition
and overnutrition in this population.
ETIM, N (2025). dietary Intake And Anthropometric Status Of Preschool Children (2-5 Years) In Aba North Local Government Area, Abia State:- Etim Favour N. Mouau.afribary.org: Retrieved Jul 11, 2025, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/dietary-intake-and-anthropometric-status-of-preschool-children-2-5-years-in-aba-north-local-government-area-abia-state-etim-favour-n-7-2
NNENNANMA, ETIM. "dietary Intake And Anthropometric Status Of Preschool Children (2-5 Years) In Aba North Local Government Area, Abia State:- Etim Favour N" Mouau.afribary.org. Mouau.afribary.org, 10 Jul. 2025, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/dietary-intake-and-anthropometric-status-of-preschool-children-2-5-years-in-aba-north-local-government-area-abia-state-etim-favour-n-7-2. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
NNENNANMA, ETIM. "dietary Intake And Anthropometric Status Of Preschool Children (2-5 Years) In Aba North Local Government Area, Abia State:- Etim Favour N". Mouau.afribary.org, Mouau.afribary.org, 10 Jul. 2025. Web. 11 Jul. 2025. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/dietary-intake-and-anthropometric-status-of-preschool-children-2-5-years-in-aba-north-local-government-area-abia-state-etim-favour-n-7-2 >.
NNENNANMA, ETIM. "dietary Intake And Anthropometric Status Of Preschool Children (2-5 Years) In Aba North Local Government Area, Abia State:- Etim Favour N" Mouau.afribary.org (2025). Accessed 11 Jul. 2025. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/dietary-intake-and-anthropometric-status-of-preschool-children-2-5-years-in-aba-north-local-government-area-abia-state-etim-favour-n-7-2