Nutrient Intake and Anthropometric Status of Boarding School Adolescents in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

Emmanuel Gabriel & Aminat Adebukola Osi, Volume 5 Issue 2, December 2024 Pages 103-113, Published: 2024-12-05

Abstract

This study assessed the nutrient intake and anthropometric status of boarding school adolescents in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 315 adolescents selected through multistage sampling from two boarding schools. Socio-demographic and economic data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were analysed using WHO AnthroPlus to calculate height-for-age (HAZ) and BMI-for-age (BAZ) Z-scores. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall and analszed with the Total Diet Assessment tool. Data were processed using SPSS version 27.0. The prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe stunting was 27.3%, 16.2%, and 5.4%, respectively, with 51.1% having normal HAZ. Most respondents (94.9%) had normal BAZ, while 2.2% were mildly thin and 1.9% were overweight. Energy and nutrient intakes, including protein, vitamin C, calcium, potassium, zinc, and B vitamins, were below recommended dietary allowances (RDAs). No significant associations (p < 0.05) were found between socio-economic characteristics and nutritional status. School meals were inadequate in meeting the dietary needs of adolescents, contributing to the observed stunting. Enhancing the quality and quantity of meals provided at schools and homes is recommended to address these nutritional gaps