Assessment of Nutritional Status and Dietary Practices Among Primary School Children in Kano Metropolis, North West Nigeria

Malnutrition among primary school-aged children remains a public health challenge across Nigeria, with notable disparities across geopolitical zones. This study assessed the nutritional status and dietary practices of primary school children in Kano Metropolis, North West Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, targeting pupils between the ages of six and twelve years across ten randomly selected public and private primary schools. A structured questionnaire and a 24-hour dietary recall instrument were used for data collection, while anthropometric measurements including height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference were recorded. A sample of 280 pupils was selected using stratified random sampling. Results revealed that a significant proportion of pupils consumed diets low in protein and micronutrients, with processed snacks constituting a large share of daily intake. Wasting and underweight conditions were prevalent in over 30 percent of the sampled population, particularly in public schools located in low-income communities. Household income level and maternal education were identified as strong predictors of children's nutritional outcomes. The study recommends that the Kano State Ministry of Education integrate nutrition education into the primary school curriculum and establish school feeding programmes targeting vulnerable communities. Findings contribute to existing literature on food insecurity and childhood malnutrition in urban Northern Nigeria, providing a basis for evidence-based policy interventions. Keywords: nutritional status, dietary practices, primary school children, Kano, malnutrition