Region, Location, and Age-Specific Comparison of Nutritional Status of In-School Adolescent Girls (10-19 years) in Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of adolescent girls using anthropometric indices. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of 2261 in-school adolescent girls aged 10 -19 was conducted. A multistage stratified random sampling procedure was used to select participants from three geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Two states selected from each zone; North Central (Kogi and Niger States), South East (Abia and Imo States) and South West (Osun and Ondo States). Body Mass Index-for-age, Waist-Hip-Ratio (WHR), and Waist-Height-Ratio were calculated by anthropometry of weight, height, hip, waist and Mid-Upper Arm Circumferences. Data were analysed on SPSS Version 24. Frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviations were used for descriptive while logistic regression and chi-square analyses were used for inferential statistics. Significance was taken at p<0.05. Results: Mean age was 14.86 years (± 1.78 years) and actual body weight was 47.81 kg (± 9.02 kg), which is lower than the ideal weight of 54.52 kg (± 9.05 kg). The negative variance of -6.71 kg shows that the girls weighed 6.71 (±9.73) kg less than their ideal weight. Overweight/Obesity/Risk of Abdominal Obesity was highest in South East region (p = .005) while underweight/undernourishment was highest in South West (p = .005). However, no significant difference was recorded between the urban and peri-urban populations (p = .005). Older girls; 14 -16yrs (OR = 2.311, 95%CI = 1.263 – 4.229) and 17 -19yrs (OR = 2.182, 95%CI = 1.253 – 3.799) were twice more likely to be Overweight/Obesity compared to 10 -13yrs. Those who were within the 14 -16yrs age range were thrice more likely to have higher WHR (OR = 3.043 95%CI = 2.334 -3.978) than those younger. Conclusion: There was a significant difference in the nutritional status of adolescent girls across regions and age ranges hence a need for regional nutrition-sensitive intervention programmes among adolescent girls. Keywords: High School Girls; Health Status; Body Stature; Body Measurement; Nigeria Region