Evaluation of the Nutritional Status of School-Children in the Atlantic Department of Southern Benin who Benefit from the National School Canteens Program

Abstract

Background and Objective: The problem of food insecurity and malnutrition, although international in scope, affects poor countries located mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and more importantly, rural populations, without concealing the consequences of these scourges. The nutritional situation of Beninese children in rural areas is not at its best. It is at the root of low enrolment rates, including its negative impact on local development. The results of this research had shown that school canteens can help to improve living conditions, thus contributing to local development. In this way, the introduction of canteens aims to combat school wastage and thus encourage children to stay in school. Assessing the nutritional status of children benefiting from school canteens aims to ensure that they receive adequate nutrition to support their health, well-being and academic success. The aim of this study was to help improve the health of children in elementary school through their catering by assessing the nutritional status of elementary school children in the Atlantic department. Materials and Methods: The equipment used to carry out this study consisted of scales, a metre for measuring anthropometric parameters in accordance with WHO standard practice and a survey form. To measure weight, a Seca mechanical scale accurate to 0.01 kg was used and the children wore their khaki outfits but removed their shoes. For height, a portable stadiometer accurate to 0.001 m was used. Pupils' ages were obtained from their birth certificates and, if these were not available, the date of birth was reported either by the parents, teachers or principals, or by the pupils themselves. It is therefore possible that the data collected may contain errors, These included errors in reading measurements, non-compliance with certain rules for proper measurement and age estimation in children without birth certificates. The parameters studied were: Weight, height, median cranial and gill circumference of schoolchildren. Results: It was observed that the median of all parameters from the start of the canteens onwards increased significantly after the resumption of school canteens (p<0.05). This study has shown the important role played by school canteens in local development. School canteens are more than just strategic instruments, they are a lever for development. School canteens help to improve conditions of physical and mental well-being and hence learning, for schoolchildren. In fact, the provision of food in schools has a dual effect: On the one hand, the nutrition and health of pupils is improved; on the other, canteens make a major contribution to keeping pupils, especially young girls, in the classroom. Conclusion: Canteens improve academic performance and reduce school dropouts. The advantages of school canteens are well known and in order to supply agricultural products to the canteens, the supply mechanism must be defined clearly and formally.