PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITION AMONG UNDER FIVE CHILDREN IN AMACHARA GENERAL HOSPITAL, ABIA STATE, FROM (2014 2018

This research work was on Prevalence of Malnutrition among under five children in Amachara General Hospital, Abia State from 2014-2018. The target population was 420 and the entire population was used. The researcher obtained permission from the Chief Nursing officer and was given access to the Records department before collection of data. The research design was descriptive. Data was collected using a Profoma from past records of children admitted between the year 2014 2018. Data were analyzed using tables and pie chart and converted to frequency. The objectives of the study were to determine the number of children 0 -5 years that had malnutrition in General hospital Amachara from 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2018,to determine the age mostly affected in Amachara General Hospital from 2014 - 2018, to determine the sex mostly affected by malnutrition, to determine the year with the highest number of occurrence and the number of death that occurred in children 0 -5 years in General Hospital Amachara during the period of study. Findings revealed that there were 280(67%) of under-5 children who had malnutrition in General Hospital Amachara Umuahia,112 (40%),1-2 years was the age mostly affected by malnutrition, 157(56%) of female was the sex mostly affected by malnutrition, the year 2014 ,90(32%) was the year mostly affected by malnutrition and 38(14%) was the number of deaths of under -5 children recorded between the year 2014-2018. Conclusions were made and it was recommended amongst others that : pregnant women should be health educated right from antenatal clinic on the importance of balanced diet and on the importance of exclusive breast feeding. There should be prompt identification and treatment of children with malnutrition. Government should make food available to all classes. Keywords: Prevalence, Malnutrition, Children, Years.