The effect of nutritional status on learning of school aged children in East Gonja municipal of Savannah Region

Abstract

The aim of this study to look at the effects of nutritional status of school aged children in the East Gonja Municipal of the Savannah Region. To achieve this aim, data was collected from multiple levels within the Urban “B” Circuit and with various respondents, as outlined below: Household interview with the help of questionnaire: A set of questionnaires containing indicators that can directly or indirectly influence the nutrition status will be prepared and questions will be asked to the parents of the children. Information will be both qualitative and quantitative. Interview with the help of questionnaire about pregnancy history, pre- and post- natal care, recent morbidity, recent child mortality, receipt of health and nutrition services, child care and feeding practices, and knowledge and practices related to maternal and child health and nutrition. Anthropometric measurements of 5-10 of age children and the following indices will be used: Weight-for-age, height-for-age, BMI for age and Edema check for protein energy malnutrition (PEM). All responses for each item in the questionnaire were coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages will be used to summarize and determine the direction of responses. Correlational matrix and logistic regression will be computed to the effect of nutritional status of students’ learning of school aged children in the East Gonja Municipal of the Savannah Region. Based on the findings with regards to the assessment of the nutritional status, the study revealed that there is a higher prevalence of under nutrition among the children of 5-10 year of age group children of East Gonja Municipal, especially Urban “B” Circuit schools. i.e., stunting (38 %), underweight (18 %) and thinness (6 %). Secondly, collectively, males were found to be more under nourished (stunted and underweight) than females i.e., prevalence of stunting (48 % in males and 28 % females) and underweight (20 % in males and 16 % in females) respectively. Whereas, female children were found more thinned than male children i.e., the prevalence of thinness was 4 % in males and 8 % in females. In the light of the above findings the following recommendations are made: Stunting was found in high percentage than underweight and wasting. So, programs to children is required, another anthropometric nutritional survey during another season in the same areas should be conducted to determine seasonal variations and their effect on the nutritional status of the children.