(P24-093-23) Assessment of Anthropometric Indices, Academic Performance and Clinical Examination of Pupils Who Observe School Lunch in Relation to Those Who Do Not, in Imo State, Nigeria.

Objectives: The study accessed the anthropometric indices, academic performance and clinical examination of school pupils who observe school lunch program as against other pupils that do not. The program is designed to correlate positively with academic performance and total wellbeing of the pupil.

Methods: The cross sectional study was carried out on 300 pupils (6-8years), who were randomly selected from four primary schools located in Owerri Municipality of Imo State, Nigeria. Two out of the four schools selected observe school lunch program while the other two do not.

A comprehensive list of the pupils was compiled and random selection technique of balloting without replacement was used in selecting the pupils, where every second name in the list was picked.

Total of seventy-five pupils were selected. (150 pupils each from the two sides). The sampling technique gives every child equal opportunity of being selected. Body Mass Index (BMI) of the pupils was calculated using their weight and height measurements.

Pretested questionnaires were used to illicit information on clinical observations and academic performances of the pupils.

Results: The percentage academic performance of the pupils in Mathematics (75%) and English (72%) increased excellently in pupils who observe school lunch program in relation to those who do not (24.7% and 19.3% respectively). The result showed that school lunch provides additional micronutrients, that transforms to positive school performance.

The anthropometric results showed Body Mass Index (BMI) of pupils that observe school lunch (15.49kg/m) in relation to their counterparts who do not (16.11kg). This indicates that school lunch program promotes good nutrition for healthy physical growth and improved immunity. The Clinical examination result showed that 65.3% of the pupils who observe school lunch program did not show sign of malnutrition unlike their counterparts that reported 17.3% with pale eyes, 3.3% failing hairs, 5.3% pale palm and 2.7% discoloured hair. 5.5% were stunted and 11.3% wasted.

Conclusions: The anthropometric indices, physical examination and academic performance of the pupils that observe school lunch program were better than their counterparts who do not. This shows a positive correlation between school lunch program and the assessed variables.

Funding Sources: Self funded by the author and co-author.