ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF MALNUTRITION AMONG UNDER FIVE YEARS IN DALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KANO STATE.
Abstract
Malnutrition remains a major public health challenge affecting under-five children in Nigeria,
particularly in urban poor settings. This study assessed the prevalence, determinants, and impacts
of malnutrition among under-five children in Dala Local Government Area, Kano State. A
descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and data were collected from 110 caregivers through
structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Results showed high levels of
malnutrition, with 48.3% of children stunted, 26.7% underweight, and 14.2% wasted, indicating
chronic undernutrition as the most prevalent form. Maternal education, household income, and
recent child illnesses were found to have significant associations with nutritional status (p < 0.05).
Feeding practices were suboptimal, as only 52.7% of mothers practiced exclusive breastfeeding
and just 39.1% met minimum dietary diversity. The study concludes that malnutrition in the area
is driven by socio-economic constraints, poor feeding practices, and high morbidity burden. It
recommends strengthened community nutrition education, women’s empowerment, improved
primary healthcare services, and multisectoral interventions to reduce malnutrition and promote
healthy child development
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