ABSTRACT

The study evaluated anthropometry, nutritional value of school snacks and performance of the children in urban, sub-urban and rural areas in Owerri west, north and municipal, Imo-State. One hundred and fifty (150) preschoolers aged 1-6 used for the study were selected randomly from three schools. Information on the snacks consumed by the children and performance of the children was assessed with the use of pre-tested questionnaires. The nutritional value of the snacks were determined using a food composition table. The study revealed that 91.7% of the male pupils had normal height for their age, 100% of the female pupils had normal height for their age, both for 1-3 age group in urban schools. For ages 3-6, 94.1% of the male pupils had normal height and 87.5%of the girls also had normal height for their age. For ages 1-3 in sub-urban school 92.7% of the boys and 8 1.8% of the girls had normal height for their ages. For ages 3-6 group, 86.7% of the males and 100% of the females had normal height for their ages. For ages 1-6 group in rural school, 100% of the males and females had normal height for their ages except in 1-3 age group where 81% of the boys had normal height. The pupils generally had normal weight for their age but about 27.3% and 7.1% of boys and girls respectively in rural school were underweight. Ages 1-3 generally had normal chestlhead ratio except few that were malnourished. Information from arm circumference also revealed few to be malnourished. Information from the nutrient content of the snacks showed that majority of the snacks were lacking in vitamin A and C, low Calcium, moderate in Calorie and protein contents. Regression analysis and the opinion of the teachers confirmed that snacks have positive effect on performance of the children while those that did not take it in rural school felt weak and restless in class.