IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH (IJHPR )

E-ISSN 2545-5737
P-ISSN 2695-2165
VOL. 10 NO. 4 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijhpr.vol.10.no4.2025.pg104.113

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Assessment of Nutritional Deficiency and Its Effect on the Growth of the Less Privilege Children in Taraba State, Nigeria

MAMMAN, Chindo Jonah, JOSEPH, Mohammed Dahmonyi, STEPHEN Maisamari, ABDULRAZAQ, Mohammed Sabo, BULUS, Yakubu Iliya

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Abstract

This study “Assessment of nutritional deficiency and its effect on the growth of the less privilege children in Taraba State, Nigeria” is designed to investigate the effect which nutritional deficiency has on the less privileged children and whether nutritional deficiency have significant negative effect on the children. This is because there is a general notion that most retarded growth experienced in our children is occasioned by nutrient deficiency in feeds. It is believed that constant consumption of foods containing nutrients in the right proportion will make children grow normally and in good health. The study us a descriptive survey research design. Target population of the study was 864 participants. Sample of the study was 273 respondents. The sample size was obtained using Slovin’s model for sample size determination. Instrument for data collection was the researchers’ structured questionnaire. The instrument was structured using Likerts’ modified response option of Strongly Agreed (SA), Agreed (A), Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagree (SD). Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The null hypotheses formulated were tested using regression analysis and the associated ANOVA. Findings of the study indicated that most of the less privileged children are not opportune to feed on balanced diet, and that militates against their growth and development. The major recommendation was that charity organizations, philanthropist and government should consider the less privileged and provide assistance that could enable them meet up with the required nutritive foods for proper growth and development.

keywords:

Assessment, Nutritional deficiency, effect, growth, less privileged children.

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