The Magnitude of Hidden Hunger and Cognitive Deficits of Children Living in Some Selected Orphanages in Kumasi, Ghana During the COVID Pandemic

Many studies have assessed the magnitude of mixed micronutrient deficiencies or individual micronutrient deficiencies among children under 5 years, women of reproductive age (15‐ 49 years old) and pregnant women. This has led to various interventions for these population groups including supplementations, fortifications etc. However, the same attention has not been given to vulnerable children living in various orphanages, especially in Children’s Homes in Ghana where much is not known about their nutritional status. Socio‐ economic downturns like that induced by the current coronavirus pandemic affects food security and nutrition, thus the nutritional status of this vulnerable population could potentially be worsened. Objective This study assessed the magnitude of hidden hunger and cognitive deficits of 130 children (6‐ 13 years old) living in three selected orphanages in Kumasi, Ghana. Methodology Sociodemographic data, anthropometric assessment (BMI‐for‐age and height‐for‐age), dietary assessment (3‐day repeated 24‐ hour dietary recall), urinary iodine levels and cognitive performance (Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices) were assessed. Findings Boys formed 50.8% of the study population while girls formed 49.2%. The median age of participants was 10.50 years. About 12.3%, 7% and 10.0% of participants were stunted, thin and overweight/ obese respectively. Prevalence of mild iodine deficiency (i.e. 50‐ 99 μg/L) was 16.2%. Iodine deficiency was significantly higher (16.2%) in participants who had lived for at least 7 years in the orphanage compared to those who had lived less than 7 years (23.6%) (p = 0.047). About 17% of participants performed poorly (< 50%) in the cognition test. Mean cognitive test scores were significantly different among the orphanages (p = 0.027). Majority of participants, 89.2%, 54.6%, 76.9% and 77.7% had adequate intakes for iron, zinc, vitamin C and folate respectively whereas intake of vitamins A and B12 were inadequate for majority of participants (90.8% and 50.8% respectively). There was no significant correlation between micronutrient intake and cognitive performance. However, mean cognition test scores were significantly different between participants who had adequate and inadequate intake of iron and vitamin A (p = 0.007 and p < 0.001 respectively). The significance of the research is to provide data for relevant policy makers and stakeholders involved in the care of orphans and vulnerable children in Ghana like the Social Welfare Department. It is also expected that this research will stimulate further studies in the occurrence of multiple micronutrient deficiencies in vulnerable children since nutrition is not only necessary for physical development, but also for cognitive development and life‐long health (WHO, 2016). Conclusion Findings of this study warrant a closer look at nutritional intakes in orphanages to improve on hidden hunger.