ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN RESIDING IN KALGO USING MID UPPER ARM CIRCUMFERENCE (MUAC)

ABSTRACT The assessment of children’s nutritional status is crucial for understanding community health and designing effective interventions. Malnutrition remains a leading public health issue in Nigeria, particularly in rural regions like Kalgo Local Government Area, Kebbi State. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of children aged 6–59 months residing in Kalgo using the MidUpper Arm Circumference (MUAC) method. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from 100 children selected through random sampling. The MUAC tape was used to measure the arm circumference of each child, and the values obtained were classified as Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), or Normal Nutritional Status based on WHO standards. Results revealed that 67% of the children had normal nutritional status, 20% were moderately malnourished, and 13% were severely malnourished. The analysis also showed slight gender variation, with males (55%) showing a marginally higher prevalence of malnutrition than females (45%). Children aged 12–35 months were most affected, highlighting the vulnerability during weaning stages. The study concludes that although the majority of children exhibited normal nutritional status, malnutrition remains a significant concern among one-third of the population. The findings underscore the need for continuous community-based nutrition education, improved feeding practices, and enhanced socioeconomic support to address childhood malnutrition and promote optimal growth and development in Kalgo Local Government Area.