Impact of school meals on educational outcomes in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Bibliographic Data

ID15093057
AuthorsZelalem Destaw (0000-0003-0508-0399, Addis Ababa University), Eshetu Wencheko (Addis Ababa University), Samuel Kidane (0000-0002-2680-2306, Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau), Mulugeta Endale (Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau), Yohannes Challa (Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau), Melkamu Tiruneh (Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau), Meti Tamrat (Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau), Hanna Samson (0000-0001-7043-9869, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College), Dilu Shaleka (Addis Ababa University), Mogessie Ashenafi (0000-0002-2091-3574, Addis Ababa University, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume25
Issue9
Pages2614-2624
Publication date2022-09-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePublic Health Nutrition (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1368-9800 • E-ISSN: 1475-2727
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s1368980022000799
PMID35343425
OpenAlexW4221008258
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited33

Objective: This study evaluated the impact of the Addis Ababa School Feeding Program (SFP) on educational outcomes. Design: Single-group repeated measurement/longitudinal study design and multistage stratified sampling design were followed. Effect sizes estimates, repeated measures ANOVA, Chi-square, Generalised Additive Mixed Model and mixed effects negative binomial regression were used. Academic scores, attendance and dropout and height and weight of schoolchildren were collected. Setting: School Feeding Programs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Participants: Schoolchildren in primary schools and school directors and teachers in fifteen randomly selected schools for Key Informant Interview (KII). Results: Anthropometric measurements of 4500 schoolchildren were taken from 50 schools. Academic scores of 3924 schoolchildren from 46 schools, class attendance records of 1584 schoolchildren from 18 schools and annual enrolment records of 50 schools were gathered. School meals achieved a minimum to large scale effects on educational outcomes with effect sizes ( η 2 ) of academic scores (boys = 0·023, girls = 0·04), enrolment (girls = 0·001, boys = 0·05) and attendance (Cramer’s V = 0·2). The average scores of girls were significantly higher than that of boys ( P P Z -scores in adolescent girls of 15–19 years ( P P = 0·021). KII showed that SFP created convenient teaching–learning environment and reduced hunger in schools, while boosting enrolment, attendance and academic performance among the schoolchildren. Conclusion: The Addis Ababa SFP has positively contributed to educational outcomes. Strengthening the program would enhance nutritional outcomes and diminish educational inequalities

Educational attainment · Educational program · Population · Program evaluation · Public health · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare

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