The nutritional status of disabled children in Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey

To compare the nutritional status of disabled children in Nigeria with their non-disabled siblings and neighbours. A second aim was to investigate anthropometric techniques appropriate for disabled children in this situation. A cross-sectional survey. Nasarawa and Plateau States and the Federal Capital Territory in Central Nigeria. 311 children under 10 years of age were studied: 112 with various disabilities, 87 siblings and 112 neighbours. Selected anthropometric measurements, (height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), demispan and halfspan), and blood haemoglobin levels were assessed by trained personnel. All measurements of disabled subjects were compared to the non-disabled controls. The disabled subjects had mean height for age (ht/age) and weight for age (wt/age) significantly lower than the control group (P