Influence of Adequate Diets on the Physical Growth of Preschool Children in Ilorin South Local Government Area, Ilorin, Kwara State Influence of Adequate Diets on the Physical Growth of Preschool Children in Ilorin South Local Government Area, Ilorin, Kwa

The early childhood stage ages 3–6 years is a critical period for physical and cognitive development, during which adequate nutrition plays a key role. This study investigated the influence of adequate diets on the physical growth of preschool children in Ilorin South Local Government Area, Kwara State. The study determined the nutritional status of preschool children, identified common dietary patterns, evaluated the relationship between adequate diets and physical growth, and examined the influence of socio-economic status on growth outcomes. A descriptive survey design was adopted. Proportionate sampling was used to select a sample of 200 preschool children from six schools, ensuring representativeness. Physical growth was assessed using anthropometric indicators such as height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Dietary adequacy was examined through a structured questionnaire titled Adequate Diet and Physical Growth Questionnaire (ADPGQ). Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, percentages, means, standard deviation, and cross-tabulations. Hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), t-test, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Findings revealed that 95.0% of the children were underweight. Regarding dietary patterns, cereals and grains were consumed 2–4 times weekly by 82.5% of the children, with other food groups showing similar consumption patterns. A significant relationship (p < 0.05) was found between adequate diet and physical growth, and socio-economic status also significantly influenced growth outcomes. The study concludes that adequate diets are significantly related to physical growth, and specific child-related socio-economic factors such as age, gender, and parental occupation play a more defining role than general demographics. Recommendations include regular health screenings and nutrition awareness programs for parents and health educators to improve knowledge on child growth monitoring and the use of tools such as BMI for assessing nutritional status.