Abstract

This work focused on the health implication of  poor food intake on preschool children in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, the main purpose of the study was to identify the food intake, to examine the effect of poor nutrition on an intellectual performance, to determine the influence of junk foods on a child health. The significant or relevant of this study was also stated in this research chapter. Lastly the scope of the study was drowned and the term used were properly defined. The area of study is Afikpo North the population of the study was 3295 preschool, 120 children were randomly selected and open ended question and structure inventory were used to elicit information from the 120 mother on behalf of the children, frequency and percentage were applied for data analysis. The data analyzed reveal that most children, consume high energy dense food, and little vegetable and fruit. Based on the findings the researcher recommended that parent should give their children natural food such as fruit juice instead of processed drink and food.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE i

APPROVAL ii

DEDICATION iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv

ABSTRACT v

TABLE OF CONTENTS vi

LIST OF TABLES viii

CHAPTER ONE:INTRODUCTION 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 6

Purpose of the Study 7

Significant of the Study 8

Scope of the Study 9

Research Question 9

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW 10

Conceptual Framework 10

Childrens Food Intake 10

Influence of Poor Nutrition on Childrens Health 21

Influence of Poor Nutrition on Intellectual Performance 25

Influence of Junk Food on the Health of Pre School Children 28

Review of Related Studies 36

Summary Review Literature 39

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY 41

Research Design 41

Area of the Study 42

Population of the Study 42

Sample and Sampling Techniques 42

Instrument for Data Collection 44

Validation of the Instrument 44

Method of Data Collection 45

Method of Data Analysis 45

CHAPTER FOUR:  RESULTS                                                     47

Major Findings 51

Discussion of the Findings 52

CHAPTER FIVE : SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION 57

Conclusion 58

Recommendations 59

Implication of the Study 60

Limitations of the Study 62

Suggestions for Further Studies 62

REFERENCES 63

APPENDIX I 74