Nutritional Status of Children Residing In Ethiopia

Abstract

Objectives: The present study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of 100 children in age group of 4-6 years of Ethiopia (Nekemte). Methods: Nutritional status of children was assessed in terms of demographic and socio-economic profile, dietary assessment, anthropometric measurement, biochemical and clinical assessment. Results: The study reveals that there were lower consumption in several macro and micro nutrients intake compared to Recommended Dietary Allowances. Intake of milk, meat/ fish / egg, fruits and green leafy vegetable, were significantly low as compared to RDI i.e about 4.24%, 15.3%,17.5% and 19.4% of RDA. The intakes of micronutrients such as β carotene, riboflavin, and calcium, were inadequate i.e, about 9.61 %, 47.5 %, 51% and 57.55% of RDA. The children are shorter in height and lighter in body weight as compared to the NCHS. According to Gomez’s classification of weight for age shows that 42 % of the children suffered from severe malnourished. According to Waterlow’s classification 79 % of the children suffered from severe wasting and 27% of the children suffered from severe stunting. According to BMI-for-Age (WHO 2007), 32% of the children were below -3SD score. Haemoglobin test revealed that 44% of children were moderate anemic. 19% of children had calcium deficiency, 20% of children had dental caries, and skin infections. Conclusions: The children exhibited poor nutritional status of stunting, underweight and anemia mainly because of low nutritional intake, poor nutritional perception and due to low socio economic background.