Some Immunological, Haematological and Nutritional Indices of Less Privileged Children (Almajiris) in Sokoto Metropolis

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition is still highly prevalent in developing countries. Furthermore, less privileged children, often lacking parental care, sources of livelihood, and adequate shelter, may be at high nutritional risk.

Aim: This study aims to assess the nutritional status of less privileged children (almajiris) in Sokoto.

Methodology: Blood samples were collected from 100 apparently healthy elites’ children and 200 less privileged children. Body mass index was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (kg/m2). Using Agappe reagent kits, serum total protein was determined by Biuret, albumin by Bromocresol Green (BCG) and total cholesterol by enzymatic methods. Full blood counts and CD4 cell counts were determined using standard techniques.

Results: The mean ± standard deviation (S.D) values for the test and control groups, respectively, were: body mass index (kg/m2) 16.90 ± 2.55 and 18.67 ± 2.76; serum total protein (mg/dl) 7.43 ± 1.27 and 7.18 ± 1.40; serum albumin (mg/dl) 2.60 ± 0.63 and 3.68 ± 0.63 total cholesterol (mg/dl) 151.88 ± 43.91 and 163.40 ± 48.21. The packed cell volume, haemoglobin, total leucocyte count, neutrophil, lymphocyte, basophil, eosinophil, CD4 cells  were  37.19 ± 8.71 and 39.48 ± 5.91; 12.41 ± 2.92 and 13.16 ± 1.94; 4034.67 ± 2154.39 and 8475.00 ± 3103.01; 44.17 ± 9.97 and 51.84 ± 9.93; 48.01 ± 11.97 and 44.26 ± 10.21;  0.00 ± 0.00 and 0.01 ± 0.12; 3.72 ± 3.55 and 8.02 ± 6.96; 540.00 ± 833.24; 212.95 ± 452.90 respectively.

Conclusion: Body Mass Index, albumin and haemoglobin values in less privileged children were significantly lower than those in elite children, indicating poor nutritional status. In conclusion, it was established from this study that there is malnutrition among the less privileged children living in Sokoto, as most of the children are underweight, and from physically stunted and thinned.