Assessment Of Nutritional Status Of Pre - School Age Children In Urban And Rural Settings In Abia State, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

The anthropometrics, nutritional status of 300 pre-school children aged 3-5 in urban and rural settings have been assessed. Validated questionnaires were used to collect nutrient intake and their socio — economic status was determined using their body compositions and anthropometric measures. Nutrient intake was compared with standard recommended by food and agricultural organization (FAO, 1988). The mean energy intake of both the rural and urban pie- schools were 1293.83+-198.63 and 1402.86+-180.44 respectively. Also their body compositions showed that the urban children had body fat greater than that of the rural children, reflecting in their body weight. The result of this survey showed that there were differences in there nutrient intake as the rural children could not meet the recommended standard due to their level of nutrient intake. Therefore, nutrition awareness in rural settings to teach the mothers on how to improve their nutrient intake as it helps the body growth and development.