ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF FOOD INSECURITY AND HUNGER ON THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND HEALTH OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN GADAU SETTLEMENT, ITAS/GADAU LGA, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Food still remains a basic necessity of life. It is important at household level since it is a
basic means of sustenance and is a critical human need (Olayemi, 2006). Food security is the basic human
needs and it occurs when “all people at all times have physical and economic access to sufficient food to
meet their dietary needs for a productive and healthy life (Semba et al, 2011).
Objectives: To assess the level of hunger, nutritional status and the effects of food insecurity on the
nutritional status and health of children and adolescents in Gadau Settlement of Itas/Gadau Bauchi state,
Nigeria.
Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study using quantitative method of data collection was used.
Using a semi-structured researcher administered questionnaire, a total of 147 respondents were approached
for the study. The data collected was analysed using SPSS version 37.
Results: The result shows that out of the 147 respondents, 72(49.0%) were between the age of 1-5years,
105(71.4%) were partially immunized, 95 (64.6%) have started schooling, 80(54.4%) experience lack of
food twice a week, 112(76.2%) skipped meals due to lack of access to food, 105(71.4%) feel hungry and
cannot eat due to lack of access to food, 71(48.3%) have the height between 50 to 99, 60(40.8%) weigh
between 10-19, 86(57.9%) have MUAC between 9-15, 94(63.9%) experienced changes in physical health
conditions, 87(59.2%) had nutritional challenges, 98(66.7%) respondents overall health status happens to
be Fair, and there is a strong significant association between adolescents who consumed balanced meal
with variety of food groups and their overall health status (P=
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