Anthropometric Indices as Determinants of Health Status among Primary School Children in the Delta South-Senatorial District, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Objective: Anthropometric indices provide information on growth rates and body size. They reflect the status of nutrition and therefore of health status. The purpose of this study was to assess the health of primary school children between 6 and 12 years of age in the Delta South-Senatorial District through the use of anthropometric measures [weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC)]. Materials and Methods: An exploratory design was used for this study. The sample was 480 primary school children. One research question and one hypothesis were used to guide the study. The instruments used were a scale for weighing, a stadiometer and a handheld measuring tape. Participants had their weight, height and mid-upper-arm circumference assessed through weighing and measurement. BMI was calculated from weight and height (kg)/(wt)². The data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics and multiple regression with alpha at 0.05. Results: In this study, the mean weight of participants was 26.81±2.21 kg, height was 1.21±1.91 m, BMI was 18.36 2.86 and MUAC was 17.71.91; these values were compared with the reference or international standard values for weight (23.08±5.09 kg), height (1.22±0.11 m), BMI (15.08±0.76) and MUAC (19.8±2.82 cm), respectively. The anthropometric indices recorded in this study were significant with reference to WHO and UNICEF international standards. Conclusion: This study found that the anthropometric indices of participants compared favorably with those of their counterparts in other parts of the world. It is recommended that periodic surveillance be carried out to detect defeats and intervention applied if needed.