- Version
- Download 5
- File Size 381.61 KB
- File Count 1
- Create Date April 1, 2024
- Last Updated June 24, 2024
Prevalence Of Overweight/Obesity Amongst Preschool Aged Children In Awka South Lga, Anambra State, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
The Study was conducted in Awka-South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria to determine the current prevalence of overweight/obesity amongst preschool aged children using anthropometry. A cross sectional survey research design was used for the study to collect sampled data of 449 children (240 boys and 209 girls) between 0 and 5 years of age. Anthropometric survey data of weight and height were collected using standardized methods. The weight was measured using a calibrated digital bathroom weighing scale while the height was measured using standiometer.
Socioeconomic and health related data such as class, age, sex and clinical signs of the children were also collected. From the anthropometric measurements, nutritional indicator (Body-mass- index-for-age) was generated by analysis of the data using WHO Anthro Survey Analyser (Version 3.2.2). The study revealed that 1.6% of the children were overweight. There was no case of obesity amongst the children aged 0-5 years assessed. Overweight children were observed among 12-23 months, 24-35 months, 36-47 months and 48-60 months with prevalence rates of 3.2%, 1.2%, 1.4% and 1.2% respectively. Overweight was more prevalent amongst the boys than girls (1.7% against 1.4%). There seemed to be decreased in the rate of overweight as age increased. It was concluded that the result of this study revealed significant level of overweight (overnutrition) amongst preschool aged children under 5 years in Awka South LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria though the prevalence rate was not high. It was recommended that more interventions should be undertaken by governments and nutrition stakeholders, aimed at reducing childhood overweight/obesity and eradicating the complications associated with overweight and obesity.
Keywords: Overweight, obesity, anthropometry, prevalence and malnutrition.