Assessment of food insecurity among rural households in Abia State

Background and objective: Food insecurity and hunger are forerunners to nutritional, health, human and economic development problems. The study was carried out to assess food insecurity and its effects on rural dwellers in Oloko and Oboro in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia state. Methods: A random sampling technique was employed in selecting 400 households in Oboro and Oloko villages, in Ikwuano Local Government Area. A validated questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. The study was a cross-sectional study. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables and figures Results: The study showed that a good number (75.5%) of the households were aware of food insecurity. Some (16.2%) households indicated they had experienced food scarcity, which was mostly as a result of (75.0%) crop failure which led to reduction in frequency of food consumption in 67.0% of the respondents. A good number (7.2%) worried that they did not have enough to eat, while 7.2% worried that they may have enough but not the kinds they want. Majority (71.0%) of the households sometimes worried that they do not eat a balanced diet. A total of 9.8% of the households reduced meals for family members. Adults (15.0%) skip meals because food wasn’t enough to go round (8.5%) while (1.2%) were in order to allow children have enough. Conclusion: This study has revealed that a good number (16.2%) of rural households have experienced food insecurity, which made them reduce the frequency of food consumption (67.0%), reduce meals for family members, and skip meals. Using the food security scale developed by USDA, it has been found that majority of the studied households are food insecure without hunger

Assessment Of Anaemia And Iron Status Of School Age Children (Aged 7-12 Years) In Rural Communities Of Abia State, Nigeria

The objective of this study was to investigate iron status of school children aged 7-12 years in some rural communities in Nigeria as well as identify factors associated with anemia in the children. A total of 249 school children, 120 males and 129 females aged between 7-12 years were used in the study. Haemomoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (PCV) and serum ferritin were used to determine anaemia and iron status in 208 children. The subjects were also screened for malaria parasites and worm infection to determine their impact on anaemia. C-reactive protein (CRP) was used as an indicator of inflammation or infection. Socioeconomic, anthropometric and body composition information were collected from the children, while dietary iron intake was determined using a combination of 24 hour dietary recall, food frequency questionnaire and weighed inventory technique. The values obtained for energy and nutrient intakes were compared with RDA recommendations. Anaemia was defined as Hb < 11.0mg/dl and iron deficiency was defined as serum ferritin levels below 12ug/dl. Correlation coefficient was used to evaluate association between anaemia and nutritional as well as health factors. The results showed that the prevalence of anaemia was 82.6%, while iron deficiency was 77.8%. The average daily iron intake was 30% below the recommended allowance. There was a high prevalence of inflammatory disorders as indicated by CRP. Malaria parasite and worm infestations were high in the children (93.2% and 41.8%, respectively). Anaemia was significantly associated with helminth infestation, malaria parasite and CRP. The children had a mean weight and height below the recommended standards. Of all the children in the study (n=249), 77% were both stunted and underweight while 56% were wasted. The body composition values of normal children (body fat, triceps, subscapula skinfold thicknesses and abdominal circumference) were significantly higher than those of the malnourished children (p<0.05). The percentage of children having low BMI (<14.59) was 23.69%.The need for malaria and helminth control in these communities is recommended

Assessment of anaemia and iron status of school age children (aged 7-12 years) in rural communities of Abia state, Nigeria

The objective of this study was to investigate iron status of school children aged 7-12 years in some rural communities in Nigeria as well as identify factors associated with anemia in the children. A total of 249 school children, 120 males and 129 females aged between 7-12 years were used in the study. Haemomoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (PCV) and serum ferritin were used to determine anaemia and iron status in 208 children. The subjects were also screened for malaria parasites and worm infection to determine their impact on anaemia. C-reactive protein (CRP) was used as an indicator of inflammation or infection. Socioeconomic, anthropometric and body composition information were collected from the children, while dietary iron intake was determined using a combination of 24 hour dietary recall, food frequency questionnaire and weighed inventory technique. The values obtained for energy and nutrient intakes were compared with RDA recommendations. Anaemia was defined as Hb < 11.0mg/dl and iron deficiency was defined as serum ferritin levels below 12ug/dl. Correlation coefficient was used to evaluate association between anaemia and nutritional as well as health factors. The results showed that the prevalence of anaemia was 82.6%, while iron deficiency was 77.8%. The average daily iron intake was 30% below the recommended allowance. There was a high prevalence of inflammatory disorders as indicated by CRP. Malaria parasite and worm infestations were high in the children (93.2% and 41.8%, respectively). Anaemia was significantly associated with helminth infestation, malaria parasite and CRP. The children had a mean weight and height below the recommended standards. Of all the children in the study (n=249), 77% were both stunted and underweight while 56% were wasted. The body composition values of normal children (body fat, triceps, subscapula skinfold thicknesses and abdominal circumference) were significantly higher than those of the malnourished children (

Assessment of lipid profile of a group of undergraduates in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

Objective: The aim of this study was to measure the lipid fractions in serum blood samples of apparently healthy undergraduates of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.Methods: A total of one hundred consenting males and females aged between 19-30 years were purposively selected from the undergraduates of the university. A structured, validated questionnaire was used to elicit information on the socioeconomic status and dietary habits. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist and hip circumference) of the subjects were measured while BMI and WHR were calculated. Serum lipid profile; total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TRG), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured. Data were analysed using descriptives, t-test, Chi square and Pearson correlation.Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 32% and 6%, respectively while 20% had high WHR. Sedentary lifestyle was found in 48% of the study participants. Consumption of fast foods (48%) and alcoholic beverages (52%) up to thrice a week was high. High levels of TC (56%), increased low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (92%) and low levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)(96%) were found in the undergraduates, however, all subjects had desirable levels of TRG. Total cholesterol (TC) correlated with weight (r=0.437); waist circumference (r=0.437); BMI (r=0.401) (p&lt;0.05).Conclusion: The study revealed that the participants were overweight and had abnormal lipid profile. There is need for lipid profile evaluation as part of the orientation programs for undergraduates as well as nutrition education in order to promote healthy lifestyles.Keywords: Lipid profile, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, undergraduate