Prevalence of Malnutrition and Stunting in Under Five Creche of a Rural Private School in Owerri North, Imo State

The prevalence of malnutrition and stunting in under five Creche of any rural private school in Owerri North L. G. A was investigated. Owerri North is made up of seven districts namely Egbu, Emekuku, Emii, Ihitte/Ogada/Oha, Naze, Obibi-Uratta and Orji. A random selection of four schools were made and the schools include; Oxford Foundation Academy, Ulakwo, Rhema Kiddies School, Amaorie, Noble Star Academy, Orji and St. Carols Nursery and Primary School, Ulakwo. These schools were selected because they meet the set out standard and quality for Nursery Education. The study adopted a cross-sectional design involving 250 pupils from four schools. Simple random selection by balloting was used to select the children from the schools. The questionnaire was validated and pre-tested by lecturers in the Nutrition and Dietetics Department, and data on anthropometric indices- weight and height, BMI and MUAC; socio-demographic status, dietary pattern and frequency of food consumption were collected. Results obtained showed that one hundred and twelve (44.8%) under five were males while 138 were females (55.2%). About 209 (83.6%) were from Imo state and of the Igbo ethnic group240 (96%). Five (2%) of the respondents were between the ages of 6 to 12 months, 114 (45.6%) were aged between 1 to 3 years, and 130 (52%) were aged 3 to 5 years. The socio-demographic data of the respondents showed that was 2.8%, stunting 3.2%, and underweight was 1.6%. The mid-upper arm circumference measurement showed that only 3 (1.2%) of the children were malnourished, while 242 (96.8%) were normal. This study shows that stunting, underweight and wasting results from a complex interaction of factors. Poor Socioeconomic and environmental conditions are important determinants of nutritional status. Poor nutrition knowledge as a re3sult of limited access to nutrition education also leads to poor food choice by the mothers. Therefore, education of women should be treated with utmost priority because it will help raise the standard of living of the family and pave way for a better socio-economic status and healthier food choice.