ASSESSMENT OF THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF ADOLESCENTS IN A TERTIARY HEALTH FACILITY IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA.

Background: Adolescence is a peculiar period of physical, sexual, psychosocial and cognitive development geared towards achieving their adult potentials. Adolescents are prone to malnutrition from unfavourable sociodemographic variables and sub-optimal nutrition.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the nutritional status and the sociodemographic variables associated with malnutrition among adolescents in a tertiary health facility in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Hand-washing practices amongst mothers of under-5 children in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Background: Hand-washing with soap and water (HWWS) can prevent a significant proportion of childhood diarrhoea and respiratory infections, the two main global causes of child mortality. However, good hand-washing practices are rare, especially in low-income countries, and findings suggest that hand-washing at critical times such as after defaecation or cleaning an infant's perineum are not common practice. The study explored hand-washing practices among mothers of children under-5 in Port Harcourt.