Epidemiology of the Nutritional Status of School Aged Children (2-10 years) Affected by Malaria in Bamenda

The objective of this study was therefore to assess the nutritional status of school aged children affected by malaria in Bamenda. This was conducted using a population of 397 for children whose parents consented. The data collected was analysed using SPSS version 23 and findings revealed that majority (52.4%) were females, 26.4% aged between 8-9years, 40.8% had occupations not specified, 64% were Christians, 70.8% were of the grass field, 65.2% earned less than 50.000frs per month and 49.9% had attained secondary education. For the BMI classification, majority (19.1%) and (11.5) for girls and boys respectively, were classified as moderately malnourished. Clinical data revealed that majority (81.1%) had pallor nails, 58.9% had scaly skin, 50.6% had week extremities, 40.8% had pale eyes, 40.1% had pale and dry eyes, 51.4% had temperature >37.5 while a few (24.7%) had brittle hair and mouth sore (29.7%). Majority (70.5%) consumed cereals, 12.6% ate legumes, 5.5% ate meat/fish/eggs, 4.5% ate milk/dairy, 3.8% ate vegetables and 3% ate fruits. Majority (60.7%) did not sleep under mosquito net, 58.4% accepted there is stagnant water and bushes around their house, 65.7% had monthly incomes <50.000frs, 59.2% did not eat green leafy vegetables, bananas, apples, meat, beans, chicken, 75.8% did not eat okro, meat, poultry, guavas, mushroom, pumk in seeds, pork, beans, yoghurt. The study concluded that moderate malnutrition and little consumption of vegetables, legumes, fruits, meat/fish/egg, milk/dairy products were nutritional problems on the nutritional status of school aged children affected by malaria in Bamenda.