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Background: Dietary habits significantly influence the nutritional status of individuals, with poor dietary habits contributing to malnutrition. In children, dietary habits are shaped by various factors including parental influence, food availability, cultural and social factors, and school environment.
Objective: The study aimed to determine the impact of Nutrition-Friendly School Initiative (NFSI) on the nutritional status of school-aged children in the Bole District.
Methodology: A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed. Data were collected from children in ten randomly selected schools across Bole West, Bole East, and Mankuma Circuits, with a sample size of 440 participants. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on biodata, dietary habits, and anthropometric measurements. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and anthropometric data were converted to Z-scores using WHO Anthro software. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess relationships between variables.
Results: The study found that 9.2% of students were stunted, 20.5% were underweight, and 3.8% were overweight. Children in beneficiary schools showed significantly lower rates of stunting and underweight compared to those in non-beneficiary schools (p-value < 0.001). Socioeconomic factors, including maternal and paternal education and household income, were significantly associated with children's nutritional status.
Conclusion: The NFSI positively influenced students' nutritional outcomes, with lower rates of stunting and underweight in beneficiary schools. Socioeconomic factors and dietary habits played a significant role in shaping children's nutritional status, emphasizing the need for balanced diets and addressing socioeconomic disparities.