Prevalence and Determinants of Malnutrition in under Five Children in Selected Health Facilities in Egume, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and determinants of malnutrition in under five children in selected health facilities in Egume, Dekina LGA, Kogi State. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study with historic data that assessed the Prevalence and determinants of malnutrition of under-five children in selected health facilities in Egume Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State. Study Area: The study was conducted at General Hospital and St. Luke clinic in Egume, Dekina LGA, Kogi State. Methodology: The study focused on Mothers and their under five children who were treated as in- or out- patients at the General Hospital and St. luke clinic Egume within the past five years, Interview was conducted with the aid of a validated, questionnaire, after obtaining informed consent from mothers and ethical clearance from the Health Research Ethics Committee, Kogi State Ministry of Health. Data was obtained through reviews of available health records. Anthropometric measurement was carried out following standard procedures. Results: The study showed that 21.3%, 25.6%, 47.4% and 5.7% of the sampled children were mildly undernourished, moderately undernourished, severely undernourished and healthy respectively. Conclusion: The present study further revealed that a child’s age and gender, mother’s education and nutrition and other health variables such as clean water and toilet are determinants of child malnutrition.