ABSTRACT

Under-nutrition is a serious public health problem among children with huge consequences on the affected individuals, their families and the nation. This study assessed the prevalence and risk factors of under nutrition among school age children in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. The study was a cross sectional study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a total of 260 school age children (6-12 years). Data on socio demographic characteristics ofthe children and socio economic characteristics of their parents, risk factors of under nutrition, food consumption pattern and anthropometric status ofthe children were collected using structured and validated questionnaire. The IBM SPSS version 22.0 computer programme was used to analyze the data. WHO anthro was used to determine the anthropometric status ofthe children. Data obtained were described using frequency and percentage. Cross tabulation and Chi square test was used to assess the relationship between the risks factors of under nutrition and anthropometric status of the respondents. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Result showed that more than half (54.6%) of the children were male with a modest family size of 4-6 persons (53.5%). Majority (95.8%) ofthe fathers and mothers were educated, 98.5% had an occupation and 99.2% had a monthly stream of income. Majority (92.3%) ofthe respondents had a good toilet facility. However, most (68.5%) ofthe children do not have a good source of water supply and 46.9% ofthem do not have an access to good health facility. Majority (91.2%) ofthe children eat frequently and more than half(54.2%) ofthem skip their meals. Most (62.3%) of the respondents have a large family size. The prevalence of underweight, obese, stunting and thinness among the children were 11.2%, 0.4%, 26.9% and 24.3% respectively. There was a significant relationship between father’s occupation and mid upper arm circumference ofthe respondents (p<0.05). To combat under-nutrition among school age children, good living conditions, education to the mothers, clean water source, good personal hygiene, periodic deworming and delivery ofintegrated programs are recommended