Prevalence and Sociodemographic Determinants of Malnutrition among Under-Five Children in Rural Communities in Imo State, Nigeria

Type Journal Article - American Journal of Public Health Research
Title Prevalence and Sociodemographic Determinants of Malnutrition among Under-Five Children in Rural Communities in Imo State, Nigeria
Author(s)
Volume 3
Issue 6
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2015
Page numbers 199-206
URL http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajphr/3/6/1/
Abstract
Background: Malnutrition is a global issue with patterns and prevalence that vary significantly not only among different nations of the world but also in different region of a country. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among under-five children in households in rural communities in Imo State. The multi-stage sampling technique was used for the selection of subjects. Data was collected by direct measurement of anthropometric parameters as well as the use of a semi-structured questionnaire to obtain caregivers’ information. Result: This mean age of the children was 21.0 ± 17.9 months. The mean weight, height, MUAC, and Head Circumference of the children were 10.6±4.4kg, 82.7±13.7cm, 20.2±3.6cm and 51.5±0.8cm respectively. The prevalence of overweight/obesity, underweight, wasting and stunting were, 9.8%, 28.6%, 23.6% and 28.1% respectively. Conclusion: Based on our findings, there is high prevalence of malnutrition among under-five children in the studied communities, thus there is need to institute appropriate control measures by the relevant authorities to reverse this problem owing to the fact that most of the causes of malnutrition are preventable.

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