ABSTRACT

This study was carried out in motherless babies homes in Abia state to assess the nutritional status, caregiving and feeding practices of infants and preschool children (0-5years) A validated questionnaire was used to elicit information of 100 respondents, which were selected through random sampling, the respondents were categorized into subgroups (strata), Aba, Umuahia, and Bende then the random selection was made within each strata thus : Aba (58), Umuahia (20) and l3endc (22) respondents. Anthropometric measurements were used in determing the following weight-for-height which showed that 19 8% were wasted. height —for-age assessment revealed that 11% where severely stunted, 26% stunted. Weight —for-age showed that 5% were severely underweight, 23% underweight. body Mass Index (BMI) for-age revealed that 24% were malnourished. ('arc information stated that 25% were bathed once a day. 66% twice and 9% trice a day. It also showed that '10 7% were taken to the recreation centres steadily. 19 80o on rare occasions, 12 8% were often taken and 267% were not taken to the center, The questionnaire was used to know their feeding habits No wet nursing was practiced In in flints aged (0- I years were fed whenever hungry and (2-5 years) were fed three times a day Few, 2.5 o were given snacks daily those that can feed themselves 82% did SO and 58% were allowed to cat together from the same plate. The weighed food intake was used to determine the nutrient intakes of 20% of' the respondents This was compared with FAO/WHO Nutrient Requirement carbohydrate (CH0) appeared to be higher 287 57 1 56 77kca1 than normal the protein intakes 16.00 1,3 49kca1 and the micronutrient intakes like vitamin A. iron etc were significant F (P>0.05) lower than the FAQ/WI (0 Nutrient requirement