BODY MASS INDEX AND FOOD CONSUMPTION PATTERN OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOL CHILDREN IN ILISHAN-REMO, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
Ani Ime F., Adeoye Bolade K., Ajuzie Nnenna C.; Ngozi E. O. Oyekan J.
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics
Ben Carson Senior School of Medicine and Surgery
Babcock University, Ilishan- Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
Corresponding author: Ani, Ime Franklin,
Email: anii@babcock.edu.ng
ABSTRACT
A total of 240 school children aged 7-12 years were used for this study. 120 were from public school and 120 were from private school. Structured questionnaire was administered to obtain information on children’s demographic data, family characteristics and consumption pattern. The height and weight of the children were measured using approved methods. BMI was calculated and WHO reference for height-for-age and BMI-for age were used to classify the children. Differential statistics were used to analyze the data. . Frequent consumption of cereal group was higher than other food group in both public school (70%) and (50%) private school. It was found that 8.3% of children in the public school do not consume milk at all and low consumption of fruits and vegetables are common among school children. Effects of family characteristics on BMI were also determined through linear regression analysis. Result obtained showed that stunting was prevalent in both schools as 45.8% had normal height in the public school and 50% had normal height in the private school. Overweight was more prevalent in the private school (50%) than in the public school (16%). However there was a high prevalence of underweight and thinness among the children from public (20.8% and 16.6%) school compared to private (16.7% and 8.3%). Combine contribution of family type, family size and parents occupation had a significant effect on the body mass index (BMI) of the children from both private and public schools (p<0.05). There is need for nutrition intervention in Ilishan -Remo
Keywords: Body Mass Index, Dietary pattern, private and public schools
