Changes in the nutritional status of school children and adolescents in Abeokuta, Nigeria between 1983 and 2006.

BACKGROUND The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children is increasing worldwide with significant health and social consequences. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the current nutritional status and its changes between 1983 and 2006 among school children and adolescents in a south western Nigeria town. METHODS five hundred and seventy children aged 5 to 19 years from randomly selected primary and secondary schools in Abeokuta, Nigeria had their weights and height measured using standard techniques. The data obtained were compared with data obtained from a similar cross sectional survey carried out in 1983. The National Centre for Health Statistics/World Health Organisation guidelines and cut-off points were used to determine the degree of underweight and stunting. Obesity prevalence was assessed using weight for age greater than 120 % of expected. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 12.2 + 3.41 years, 296 (51.5 %) were males. The mean Weight-for-Age Z -score and Height-for-Age Z-score were -1.2773 + 1.14 and -0.8569 + 1.19 respectively. The prevalence rates of underweight and stunting were 24.7 % and 17.4 % respectively. Using weight greater than 120 % of expected weight for age, five (1.7 %) male and 7 (2.6 %) female children were obese compared to 3.3 % male and 5.1 % female children who were obese in 1983. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of overweight and obesity has remained relatively unchanged between 1983 and 2006. However,under-nutrition remains a major nutritional problem among school children and adolescents in Abeokuta, Nigeria.