THE EFFECT OF VACCINATION AND CHILDHOOD MORBIDITY ON NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA
Abstract
Background: Malnutrition is a major contributor to childhood morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. Lack of vaccination and recurrent childhood diseases are important contributors to the burden of malnutrition in these countries.
Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in Okrika town, the headquarters of Okrika Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling method was used to recruit 410 under-fives. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain demographic and vaccination data, history of diarrhoea, fever and respiratory tract infection.
Results: Of 410 under-fives studied, 217 (52.9%) were males. Forty three (10.5%) were underweight, 219 (53.4%) fully vaccinated, 42 (10.2%) unvaccinated while 56 (13.6%) and 68 (16.5%) had fever and symptoms of respiratory tract infection (RTI) respectively. The prevalence of underweight malnutrition was significantly higher among unvaccinated children (26.2%), among those with RTI (23.5%), fever (21.4%) and diarrhoea (30.8%). The risk of underweight malnutrition was 3.6 times and 2.8 times higher in those with RTI and fever respectively.
Conclusion: Complete vaccination, prevention and prompt treatment of childhood illnesses among under-fives will improve their nutritional status.
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