Nutritional Indices of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Ebenebe, Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Orphans and vulnerable children are at high risk of malnutrition due to poor economic status, less medical and social care. There is also insufficient evidence that indicates the nutritional status as well as the effect of orphanhood on orphans and vulnerable children. This study assesses the nutritional indices of orphans and vulnerable children in Ebenebe community in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. A cross sectional descriptive study design was used to select 300 consented Orphans and vulnerable children from 94 Households that are managed by Hope givers care and support Organization Awka. Anthropometric data (height, weight and mid upper arm circumference) were obtained using standard methods. Level of vulnerability, feeding practices and socioeconomic information were evaluated using structured questionnaires and Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development Household Vulnerability index tool. The study recorded that 62% of the orphans and vulnerable children were females while 38% were males, 3% were age six months and below, 88.7% were aged six months and five years, 9.3% were age five years and above. 59% and 35% of the caregivers completed secondary and primary education respectively while 6% never attended school. 51% of the households assessed were most vulnerable. The study also showed prevalence of malnutrition among the orphans and vulnerable children under five years, as 32.0% of them were underweight, 38.2% of them were stunted while 25.8% were wasted. The prevalence of malnutrition among the underfive orphans and vulnerable children using MUAC standards was 30.9%. For the orphans and vulnerable children aged five years and above, majority (96.0%, 96.0% and 92.0%) were moderately underweight, wasted and stunted respectively. Fifty-five percent of the orphans and vulnerable children ate 2-3 times daily while 45% ate more than thrice daily. Majority (96.3%, 95.3% and 98.6%) of the orphans and vulnerable children reported that they ate vitamin A rich foods, Iron-rich foods and protein foods respectively. The study supports the association between the consumption some nutrient rich foods (vitamin, iron and vitamin) and nutrition status of children (underweight and wasting), but do not prove the causal relationship because further association was not tested. To further improve the nutritional status of these children the caregivers should be encouraged to continue feeding them with adequate nutrition and right feeding practices.

Keywords: Nutritional, social care, orphanage, vulnerable children, anthropometric data, underfive