Hidden Hunger among Pre-schoolers in Matisi Peri-urban Location, Tran-Nzoia District, Kenya.

Abstract

Pre-school children require adequate intake of essential nutrients in order to sustain the rapid growth and proper development at this critical period. A child who doesn’t eat enough to cover his/her nutritional needs can develop growth failure and may eventually become undernourished. Peri- urban populations are normally characterized by difficult socio- economic situations which are likely to have direct or indirect implications on the nutrient intake and nutritional status of pre- school children. The study aimed at assessing the adequacy of micro-nutrient intake among pre-school children and the associated risk factors in Matisi Peri-urban location. This was a cross sectional survey of 208 randomly selected mother pre-schooler pair. Interviewer administered questionnaires provided socio- demographic data and information on the child’s nutrient intake using 24-hour recall. Data was analysed using SPSS V.16.0. Dietary intake data was analyzed using a nutrient calculator. Chi square test and logistic regression and t test were used to find associations between various factors and nutrient intake. Results were considered significant at 5% ?-level. More than half of the children 188(90.4%) were female. Their mean age was 38±10.7 months. Percentage inadequate intake of iron, calcium, Folate, vitamins C, A, B1, B2, B3 were (23%), (88%), (99%), (77%), (77%), (82.2%), (43%), (75%) and (71%) respectively. Micronutrient intake was associated with underweight and stunting (p = o.oo1). Based on the findings of this study, there is a problem of inadequate intake of nutrients affecting pre-scholars who are likely to suffer under-nutrition consequences in Matisi Peri-urban location.

Key words: Inadequate, Nutrients, Peri-urban, Pre-schoolers.