Assessment of Nutritional Status of Primary School Pupils Using Anthropometrics in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State

The study assessed nutritional status of primary school pupils using anthropometrics in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. The study adopted descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The sample size for the study was 860 pupils from the selected public and private primary schools. Three research questions guided the study. A self-designed proforma, and standardized anthropometric devices of calibrated standardized digital weighing scale (OMRON BF400) and wooden statiometer were used as instruments for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage. The findings of the study included that the participants (pupils) had moderate nutritional status, however, with substantial cases of underweight, stunting and overweight. The study also revealed that the female pupils had better nutritional status than their male counterparts, and the pupils in private primary schools had better nutritional status than pupils in public primary schools. The study recommended among others that parents and guardians and teachers should be properly educated in nutrition education either in formal and non-formal settings