PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS OF MALNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN UNDER- FIVE YEARS IN JALINGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Malnutrition remains a major public health problem among under-five children and contributes significantly to childhood morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Researchers used a descriptive cross-sectional study. They surveyed 1,200 caregivers of children under five, choosing them using a proper method. Information was gathered through structured questionnaires and by measuring the children's height and weight. The results were analyzed using basic statistics and shown as counts and percentages. The study found that 49% of the children were malnourished, which is a high number. The most common types of malnutrition were being underweight (20%), stunted (18%), and wasted (11%). Factors like low family income, having many children in the family, and not having enough food were linked to poor nutrition in children. Also, feeding practices weren't ideal. Many mothers didn't exclusively breastfeed for the recommended six months. Poor food variety and incorrect ways of feeding older babies were also common. The study also showed that when mothers were more educated and knew more about nutrition, their children's feeding habits and how often they sought healthcare improved. However, mothers still lacked some knowledge and didn't always use child health services consistently. Access to healthcare and sanitation facilities was okay, but problems with regular growth checks, safe drinking water, and proper toilets remained. These conditions made children more likely to get infections, like diarrhea, which made their malnutrition worse. The study concluded that malnutrition in children under five is a major public health problem. It's affected by money problems, mother's situation, feeding habits, healthcare, and the environment. The study suggests that better nutrition education, improving food security at home, and better access to good healthcare and sanitation services are needed. The study concluded that malnutrition among under-five children remains a significant public health challenge influenced by socioeconomic, maternal, feeding, healthcare, and environmental factors