Anthropometric Indices And Cognitive Performance Of Preschool Children In Nsukka Rural And Urban Areas Of Enugu State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study assessed the nutritional status and cognitive performance of preschool children

aged 3-5 years in urban and rural areas of Nsukka in Enugu State, Nigeria. A total of 400

pre-school children aged 3-5 years were involved. Four schools in Nsukka Local

Government Area of Enugu State were selected by multistage sampling technique. Two

schools each were randomly selected from the list of schools in the Nsukka rural and urban

areas. The study collected data on child related factors, mother’s socioeconomic status,

household size, environmental conditions, child health and nutritional status, using

structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements of height, weight and arm

circumference were taken using standardized procedures. Ziler’s “Draw a person test” was

used to assess the cognitive performance of the children. Data were analysed using the

Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 13 computer software. Analytical

tools used included descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means and standard

deviation). Chi-square analysis was used to appraise the validity and reliability of the

dependent variables. Anthropometric values were compared with World Health

Organisation child growth reference standards. About 20.5% of the children in the study

area were stunted, 16.5% were underweight, and 12.0% were wasted. The prevalence of

stunting, underweight, and wasting were higher among rural children than their urban

counterparts. Rural male children were significantly (P