ABSTRACT

This study was design to assesses snacks and beverage consumption pattern of school aged children in Umuahia North Local Government area of Abia State. Data for this report was obtained from a cross-sectional survey of 218 school age children. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on personal, caregivers’ socio-economic characteristics, beverages and snack consumption. Information on anthropometry was also determined using standard methods. Data obtained from the study were subjected to statistical analysis, using statistical package for social sciences version 23.  The results of the different variables collected revealed that many of the respondents 42 (19.3%) were within the ages of 9 Years. Those in public schools were more (39.4%) compare to those in missionary school (37.6%) and private schools (22.9%). Their class showed that 18.3% were primary 1 and primary 2 each while 19.3%, 12.8%, 12.4% and 18.8% were in primary 3, 4, 5, and 6 respectively. Most (84.9%) of the children reside with both parents (father and mother) as 8.7% and 0.9% reside with mother and father respectively. However, 2.8% lives with brother/sister and a relation each. Most (97.7%) of the children were christens while only 2.3% were traditional worshipers. Information on how the children take lunch in school revealed that many (68.8%) do go to school with lunch box as parent gives 18.8% money to buy food in school and 12.4% don't take lunch to school. The BMI for age showed that 45.4% had normal BMI for age while 10.6%, 20.6%, 3.7% and 5.0% were obsessed, overweight, underweight and Severely underweight respectively. More of the children had normal (64.2%) weight for age as 4.6% were both overweight and obese. The prevalence of severely underweight (6.4%) were more than underweight (4.6%). The height for age revealed that 77.5% had normal height for age while 3.2% and 16.1% were stunted and severely stunted. The beverage consumption of the respondents revealed that more (56.9%) consumed coca cola rarely as 23.4% consumed it weekly. The sprite consumption showed that 49.5% consumed sprite weekly as 1.8% it daily. Few (2.8%) of the children consumed fanta daily as 54.2% consumed it weekly. It was also observed that prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was high. However, daily consumption of foods from milk and dairy products, fruits and vegetable group was poor, thus showing the need for parents to be educated on the importance of meat, milk, fruits and vegetables in the health and well-being of their children