ASSESSMENT OF IRON, VITAMIN A STATUS AND ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICES OF PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN (2-5YEARS) IN COMMUNITIES OF ABA NORTH LGA OF ABIA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study was designed to assess iron, vitamin A and anthropometric indices of preschool children (2-5years) in rural and urban communities of Aba North LGA of Abia State. A descriptive cross sectional survey design was employed in this study. Two hundred and thirty-six preschool children each were selected from rural and urban communities making it a total of four hundred and seventy-two (472) samples. The respondents were the parents of the preschool children. A sub-sample of twelve (12) each from the rural and urban communities making a total of twenty four (24) were selected for the 3-day weighed food intake study and biochemical assessment of heamoglobin and serum retinol. Multistage random sampling was used to select the pre-school children in rural and urban communities using a systematic random sampling. Nine nursery/primary schools from the rural communities and eight nursery/primary schools from the urban communities were used for the study. The study was carried out using a structured questionnaire that solicited information on the children demographic data and health information. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical assessment and a 3-day weighed food intake were other parameters used. Descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequency were computed from the questionnaire using Statistical product for service solution version 21.0 and were used for data presentation. Chi square and independent sample t-test were used to determine any relationship existing between the variables. P-values of < 0.05 were taken to indicate statistical significance. ANOVA was carried out to generate means and Duncan’s New Multiple range tests were used to separate and compare the group means. Anthropometric measurements were carried out using the standard techniques. Anthropometric indices (weight-for-height, height-for-age, weight-for-age and mid-upper arm circumference for age) were derived from measurement and compared with WHO child growth standard. Iron and vitamin A of the children were assessed using biochemical methods. The dietary data from the 3-day weighed food intake study were analyzed with food composition Table and nutrient intake of the children expressed as percentage of the recommended daily intake. The result showed that stunting and underweight (3.4 and 1.7%) were more in the rural while wasting (28.0%) was found to be more in the urban communities. Composite index of anthropometric failure according to sex, location and age, showed that wasting + underweight (9.4%) were seen more in male children within 24months in the rural community while that of urban (4.2%) were found more in male children within 60 months. Wasting and underweight (8.3%) were seen more in the rural female children within 60 months while stunting and underweight (2.4%) were seen more in female preschool children within 24 months in the urban community. Stunting and underweight (3.3%) were seen in the rural male preschool children while none was found in the urban preschool children. A prevalence of vitamin A status was observed (8.3%) in the rural area with mean serum retinol concentration of (31.58±5.95) in the urban area, (P > 0.05). The prevalence of moderate anaemia were seen in rural (75%) and urban (66.7%) areas respectively. Mean percentage nutrient intake of the children according to age was low in calcium while that of protein, vitamin A and ascorbic acid were above adequate. Prevalence of iron and low calcium intake were more than the prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweight. This shows the danger of micronutrient deficiencies. Providing foods that are rich in iron, calcium, other vitamins/minerals, dietary diversification and fortification of complementary diets will improve nutritional status of the children more in the rural and urban communities.