Idris Abiodun Adedeji|Mohammed Faruk Bashir|David Shwe|John Casken
Prevalence and correlates of stunting among the school-age population in North-Central Nigeria
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University|Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University|University of Jos|University of Jos
stunting remains huge public health concern among developing nations however burden problem among schoolage population appears eclipsed nutritional surveys focus underfives study aimed demonstrate prevalence identify sociodemographic factors associated stunting among schoolage children north central nigeriathis descriptive crosssectional study involved 450 pupils aged 612 years 10 randomly selected primary schools jos plateau state anthropometric indices measured using standard techniques heightforage zscores generated using anthroplus software sociodemographic details obtained using semistructured questionnaires data analysed using epi infotm statistical software 7152the mean age subjects 93 18 years male female ratio 111 prevalence stunting 105 prevalence stunting significantly higher among pupils attended public schools p00001 whose mothers less secondary level education p00427 ages 1012 years p00001 lower socioeconomic class p00021 whose family sizes larger six family members p00063the substantial burden stunting among school age population significant correlation certain sociodemographic factors addressing factors alleviating poverty promoting maternal literacy encouraging family planning may perhaps lessen burden stunting among schoolage group northern nigeria