Assessment of Nutritional Knowledge, Dietary Habits, and Oral Health Practices among Children Aged 7-10 Years, in Government Primary Schools in Ibadan, Oyo State

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood is a critical period for establishing healthy nutrition and oral hygiene behaviors. This study assessed the nutritional knowledge, dietary habits, and oral health practices among children aged 7–10 years attending government primary schools in Ibadan Northeast Local Government Area, Oyo State.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. A total of 211 pupils were selected using multistage sampling from three government schools. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were performed, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 8.9 ± 1.16 years, with females comprising 55% of participants. Most children identified as Christian (55.9%) or Muslim (40.3%). Overall, 41.7% demonstrated poor nutritional knowledge, while only 18.5% exhibited good knowledge. Gender, age, and socio-religious factors were not significantly associated with knowledge levels (p > 0.05). Slightly more girls had good knowledge than boys (20.7% vs. 15.8%), though not statistically significant. Parental education, particularly fathers’, showed a nonsignificant trend toward influencing knowledge (p = 0.099). Carbonated beverages were the most frequently consumed drinks (39.8% daily), while 10% reported daily alcohol intake. Fruits such as oranges were commonly consumed, whereas dates and guava were least preferred.

Conclusions: The findings emphasize the need for structured school-based nutrition and oral health education programs, enhanced parental involvement, and stricter regulation of unhealthy beverages to promote healthier lifelong behaviors in children.