Comparative Analysis of Nutritional Status among 4 to 6 year old Preschool Children of Government and Private Schools in Lideta sub city, Addis Ababa
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Date
2023-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study aimed to assess the nutritional status of 4 to 6-year-old preschool children attending government and private preschools. Two schools were selected in Lideta sub-city by using simple random sampling technique and 30 students from government and 30 from private were also selected by using simple random sampling technique. Two data collection instruments; anthropometry measurement and questionnaire were used. Data, including height, weight, and BMI, were collected and processed using SPSS version 27. AnthroPlus software version 1.0.4, a user-friendly tool, assessed children's growth and nutritional status using standardized reference data. The analysis included descriptive stats (percentile and frequency) and inferential stats (regression and t-test), with the binary logistic model applied. Results from the anthropometry measurement reveals that more children in private schools fall within the normal weight category 25(83.3%) compared to government schools 21(70%). Private schools also have a more significant proportion of children with standard height 21(70%) than government schools 16 (53.3%). Similarly, more students in private schools have a normal BMI 28 (93.3%) compared to government school students 24 (80%). These findings indicate that children in private schools exhibit slightly better nutritional status concerning weight, height, and BMI when compared to their counterparts in government schools. Based on the data collected total monthly household income and fathers' employment status were identified as significant factors positively influencing nutritional status, particularly in weight-for-age, height-for-age, and BMI. However, it was observed that other variables, including the education level of mothers and fathers, the employment status of mothers, primary sources of parental nutrition knowledge, confidence regarding nutritional knowledge, and challenges related to providing a balanced diet, did not demonstrate a statistically significant impact on the nutritional status of children, as assessed by weight-for-age, height-for-age, and BMI measurements. On the other hand, there is no statistically difference in weight for age, height for age and body mass index (BMI) between governmental and private preschool. thus, it is recommended that future research focusing on nutritional status should incorporate a comprehensive analysis of nutrient intake. It would provide a more in-depth understanding of the factors influencing children's nutritional well-being, which can guide more targeted interventions and policies and should Conduct studies in a broader range of schools by Expanding the scope of research to encompass various school settings to conduct studies in a broader range of schools and expanding the scope of research to encompass various school settings.