Abstract
This study compared nutritional status of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of
primary school feeding programme in Akwa Ibom State. Specifically, it determined
the differences in anthropometric measurements of weight - for – age; height - for –
age; and body mass index - for - age of children benefiting and those not benefiting
from school feeding programme in Akwa Ibom State. The study adopted a cross-
sectional descriptive survey design. The population for the study comprised
818,588 public primary school children ( 3 - 11 years ). Questionnaire and
anthropometric measures were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using
frequencies and percentages. Data from the anthropometric measurement of pupils
(weight-for-age, height-for-age and BMI-for-age) were analysed using WHO
anthro plus software. The result was interpreted using Z-score (WHO Standard)
and expressed in frequencies and percentages. Chi - Square test result showed that
the weight-for-age (X2 =13.437a, P=0.00), height-for-age (X2 = 7.736a, P= 0.02) and
BMI-for-age (X2 = 10.281a, P= 0.04) status of the beneficiaries of school feeding
programme were comparable to the non beneficiaries at 0.05 level of significance.
Thus, the three null hypotheses were accepted for all the parameters tested. In
conclusion, school feeding programme has the potential to directly address
malnutrition if it is effectively managed. The study recommended among others
that Home Economists, Nutritionists and Dieticians should, in conjunction with the
government undertake regular monitoring and evaluation of the programme to
ensure that adequate and nutritious meals are served.