A Showcase of Nutritional Status Level of Grade VI Pupils at Padre Imo Luna Memorial Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Malnutrition refers to all deviations from adequate nutrition, including undernutrition (and overnutrition) resulting from inadequacy of food (or excess of food) relative to need (respectively). Malnutrition also encompasses specific deficiencies (or excesses) of essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. One of the effective ways of realizing the nutritional status level of the pupils is by conducting action research. Thus, the researchers aim to determine the nutritional status level of Grade VI pupils. The output of this study will reveal the level of nutritional status of Grade VI pupils.

METHODS

This is a descriptive qualitative which aims to show the nutritional status level of Grade VI pupils. The respondents of the study are the Grade VI pupils who are identified based on the following criteria: a. Severely wasted, b. Wasted, c. Normal, d. Overweight and obese. The researchers used two data gathering procedures, namely: a survey method and interviewed to attain the objective of this study. The survey questionnaire was prepared, validated, distributed, tallied, and interpreted to show the nutritional status level of Grade VI pupils.

RESULTS

It has been determined during the conduct of the study that even though most of the learners were identified with average nutritional level, the figures still highlights that a significant percent of the total number of learners are not. The combined number of severely wasted, wasted, overweight, and obese learners are still notable, which is 36.17% of the total number of grade six learners. Even though learners are engaged in varied activities and programs in school, highlighting proper nutrition, it was revealed that consistency at home on the practices implied is lacking. Communication between the school and family is perhaps one of the most effective means of monitoring learners' health status. Parents as well need to understand that it is not just the number of meals that should be considered, but what is served is more important.

DISCUSSIONS

The nutritional status level of Grade VI pupils reflected that though many pupils are reasonable, the malnourished pupils got 35.8%, meaning these pupils should be immediately attended. The result of this study is a helpful tool in enhancing and improving the programs implemented regarding malnutrition. It is recommended that the SBFP should continuously implement as well as the GPP in the Department of Education