Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Nursery School Children in Buea Municipality, South West Region - Cameroon
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Abstract
Background: Malnutrition is a public health concern due to its negative impact on human performance, growth, and development, especially in children. The preschool period is the critical stage of active development and growth of physical, social, and mental well-being of children The main objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status of nursery school children aged 2-5years. Method: It was a cross section, descriptive school-based study of Nursery school children. A semi structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics of the children. Nutritional status of the children was assessed using anthropometric measurements (mid upper arm circumference, Body mass index) and dietary intake. The children were weighed and measured as per the WHO guidelines on Anthropometry. Data collected was analyzed using the Stats Graphics and SPSS version 20. Results were presented using frequencies, percentages and means were calculated and presented on tables and charts. Results: The results recorded revealed that, out of the 431 Nursery school children who took part in the study, 54. 3% were males and 45. 7% were females. Majority 45. 5% of the children were within the age range of 4 - 4. 9 years. From the MUAC measurements, severe acute malnutrition (≤11. 5cm), moderate acute malnutrition (11. 5-12. 5cm) and mild acute malnutrition (12. 5- 13. 5cm) were recorded according to WHO classification. The group with the most (4. 9%) severe acute malnutrition, moderate acute malnutrition (10. 9%), Mild acute malnutrition (15. 5%) were children within the age range of 3- 3. 9 years. Based on gender and BMI for age, Most (16. 4%) of the underweight children were boys and most of them (7. 4%) were of the age range of 4 - 4. 9 years and the boys (3. 9%) of the age range 3 -3. 9 years were overweight. The overall prevalence of underweight children was 30. 2%. The findings on dietary intake revealed that 50. 7% of the children consumed mostly cereals and tubers and From the Protein group, few (7. 4%) consumed meat, fish and eggs and very few of them (3, 7%) consumed milk and milk products. Also, very few (3. 2%) consumed vegetables and fruits (2. 3%). Conclusion: This study concludes that Children in different nursery schools in Buea Municipality are malnourished to different extends and so the fight against malnutrition in the Buea municipality should be encouraged and nutritional interventions to improve on the nutritional status of school age children be stepped–up, as well as introducing nutrition education in schools.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Kemayou Nkom Falonne, Dr Mary Chia Garba, Dr Njong Clementine Endam, Prof Anjah Mendi Grace
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