ABSTRACT
Malnutrition remains a significant public health challenge, particularly among children under five years of age, due to its severe consequences on growth, development, and survival. This study assessed the prevalence, types, and contributing factors of malnutrition among children aged 0–5 years attending Dutse General Hospital in Dutse, Jigawa State. Using a descriptive cross-sectional study design, data were collected through structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements, including weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-for-height indices. The findings 30 children (37.5% of the sample) had a MUAC measurement below the acceptable threshold for their age group, indicating signs of malnutrition, specifically acute undernutrition. A low MUAC is a key indicator of wasting, which reflects the immediate lack of nutritional intake and is often associated with poor health or infection.15 children (18.75%) had a WHZ score below -3, indicating severe acute malnutrition (SAM). This finding is concerning, as a WHZ score below -3 is an indicator of wasting, and these children are at high risk of mortality and morbidity. 20 children (25%) showed grade 1 oedema (mild), which indicates some level of protein deficiency, commonly associated with kwashiorkor, a form of malnutrition caused by insufficient protein intake. 10 children (12.5%) had grade 2 oedema, indicating more severe protein deficiency, which can have significant health implications and often requires immediate medical intervention. 5 children (6.25%) had grade 3 oedema, which is the most severe form of oedema and represents critical kwashiorkor or severe protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, including community-based nutrition education, improved maternal health services, and enhanced access to nutritious food. Addressing these factors is critical to reducing malnutrition rates and improving the overall health and development of children in Dutse, Jigawa State.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page - - - - - - - - - - -i
Declaration - - - - - - - - - - -ii
Certification - - - - - - - - - - -iii
Dedication - - - - - - - - - - -iv
Acknowledgement - - - - - - - - - -v
Table of contents - - - - - - - - - -vi
Abstract - - - - - - - - - - -viii
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study - - - - - - - - -2
1.2 Statement of the Problem - - - - - - - - -3
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study - - - - - - - -4
1.4 Significance of the Study- - - - - - - - -4
1.5 Scope and Delimitations of the Study - - - - - - -5
1.6 Definition of Key Terms - - - - - - - - -7
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction - - - - - - - - - -9
2.1 Overview of Malnutrition- - - - - - - - -9
2.2 Types of Malnutrition- - - - - - - - - -11
2.3 Prevalence of Malnutrition in Nigeria- - - - - - - -15
2.4 Causes of Malnutrition in Children- - - - - - - -20
2.5 Consequences of Malnutrition- - - - - - - - -25
CHAPTER THREE
METHOD AND MATERIALS
3.0 Materials and Methods - - - - - - - - -32
3.1
Study Area - - - - - - - - - -32
3.2
Research Design - - - - - - - - - -32
3.3
Population of the study - - - - - - - - -32
3.4
Data Collection - - - - - - - - - -32
3.5
Sample Size - - - - - - - - - -33
3.6
Sample Collection - - - - - - - - - -33
3.7
Methods of Data Analysis - - - - - - - - -33
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Introduction - - - - - - - - - -34
4.2 Result - - - - - - - - - - -34
4.3 Discussion - - - - - - - - - - -37
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary - - - - - - - - - - -39
5.2 Conclusion - - - - - - - - - -39
5.3 Recommendations - - - - - - - - - -40
References - - - - - - - - - - -42
Questionnaire - - - - - - - - - -45
CHAPTER
ONE
1.0 Introduction
Malnutrition remains a significant public health
concern in Jigawa State, particularly among children under the age of five. Adequate
nutrition is the means by which people thrive, maintain growth, resist and
recover from diseases and perform their daily tasks. When nutrition is
inadequate, vulnerable populations are likely to become malnourished.
Malnutrition includes a wide range of clinical disorders in which an
individual’s physical functions are impaired. Common consequences of
malnutrition include growth failure, decreased resistance to disease and
reduced ability to work.
Malnutrition is a pressing global
health issue, particularly affecting vulnerable populations in developing
countries. Defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a condition
resulting from an unbalanced intake of nutrients, malnutrition encompasses both
undernutrition—characterized by stunting, wasting, and underweight—as well as
overnutrition, which includes obesity and micronutrient deficiencies (WHO,
2021). In Nigeria, the prevalence of malnutrition among children under five
years is alarmingly high, posing significant threats to child health and
development.
Malnutrition denotes the
consequences resulting from insufficiency, excess or disproportion in the
intake of calories and/or nutrients (WHO, 2016). The term malnutrition refers
to two major types of disorders, namely; Under nutrition that comprises
stunting (low height-for-age), wasting (low weight-for-height), underweight
(low weight-for-age) and micronutrient deficiencies. The other includes
overweight and obesity (WHO, 2016). Inability to eat or absorb sufficient
nutrients as per the individual's energy requirements, for growth or to
maintain a healthy immune system causes under nutrition. Micronutrient
deficiencies result when the body does not obtain one or more essential
micronutrients (Burgess and Danga, 2008).
Jigawa State, located in the
northwestern region of Nigeria, has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in
the country. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and determinants of
malnutrition among children aged zero to fifty-nine months in the General
Hospital of Jigawa State. By examining the socio-economic, health-related, and
dietary factors associated with malnutrition, this research seeks to provide
valuable insights that can inform public health policies and interventions.
Understanding the dynamics of
malnutrition is essential for improving health outcomes and ensuring that
children in Jigawa State can achieve their full developmental potential. This
study was contributed to the existing body of knowledge on malnutrition in
Nigeria, ultimately guiding efforts to combat this critical public health issue.
1.1 Background of the Study
Malnutrition remains a significant
public health issue, particularly in developing countries, where it poses
severe challenges to child health and development. According to the (WHO),
malnutrition encompasses a range of conditions, including undernutrition,
micronutrient deficiencies, and overweight, affecting individuals across all
ages (WHO, 2021).
In Nigeria, malnutrition among
children under five years is alarmingly high, with a substantial percentage of
this population suffering from stunting, wasting, and underweight conditions.
The National Nutrition and Health Survey (2020) reported that approximately 27%
of children under five are stunted, while about 7% are wasted. These statistics
reflect the urgent need for effective interventions and policies to address the
underlying causes of malnutrition.
Several factors contribute to the
high prevalence of malnutrition in Nigeria. Poverty remains a primary driver,
as many families lack the financial resources to access adequate and nutritious
food. Food insecurity is further exacerbated by economic challenges, conflict,
and environmental issues such as drought, which impact agricultural production
(UNICEF, 2021). Additionally, inadequate healthcare access, poor maternal nutrition,
and low levels of education regarding dietary practices contribute to the
malnutrition crisis (National Bureau of Statistics, 2020).
In light of these challenges,
understanding the dynamics of malnutrition among children is critical. This
study aims to explore the prevalence and determinants of malnutrition in
children aged zero to fifty-nine months in General Hospital, Jigawa State,
providing insights that can inform public health strategies and improve child
health outcomes in the region.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Malnutrition remains a critical public health
challenge in Nigeria, particularly among children under five years, who are
among the most vulnerable to its adverse effects. In Jigawa State, high rates
of stunting, wasting, and underweight indicate a severe nutritional crisis that
threatens the health and development of young children. Despite various
governmental and non-governmental efforts to combat malnutrition, the
prevalence remains unacceptably high, with many children suffering from the
long-term consequences of inadequate nutrition.
According to the National Bureau of
Statistics (2020), approximately 27% of children in Nigeria are stunted, and 7%
are wasted. These figures highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions
to address the multifaceted nature of malnutrition. Factors contributing to
this crisis include pervasive poverty, food insecurity, and inadequate
healthcare access, which collectively hinder families' abilities to provide
sufficient and nutritious diets for their children. Additionally, cultural
practices and limited maternal education about nutrition further exacerbate the
problem.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
Aim
The main aim of this project is to assess the
prevalence of malnutrition among malnourished among children aged 0-5 years in Dutse
General Hospital, Jigawa State.
Objectives
- To determine the level
of malnutrition among children aged 0 – 5 years in Dutse General Hospital,
Jigawa State.
- To identify the
underlying factors contributing to malnutrition in the target population
in Dutse General Hospital, Jigawa State.
- To develop and
implement evidence-based interventions to address malnutrition in Dutse
General Hospital, Jigawa State.
1.4 Significance of the Study
This project contributes to improving the health and
well-being of children under five in Jigawa State, reducing the risk of
stunting, wasting, and mortality. Malnutrition Among Children Aged 0-5 years at
Dutse General Hospital, Dutse, Jigawa State.
Malnutrition among children aged 0-5 years in Jigawa
State is a critical public health issue with far-reaching consequences.
Addressing this problem is of paramount importance due to the following
reasons:
1. High Prevalence: Jigawa State has a high
prevalence of malnutrition, with significant numbers of children suffering from
stunting, wasting, and underweight. This poses a serious threat to their
physical and cognitive development.
2. Long-Term Impacts. Malnutrition during early
childhood has long-lasting consequences, impacting children's physical growth,
cognitive abilities, educational attainment, and overall health and well-being
throughout their lives.
3. Economic Burden: Malnutrition contributes to
increased healthcare costs, reduced productivity, and lower economic growth.
Addressing malnutrition can lead to a healthier and more productive workforce
in the Future.
By addressing malnutrition in Jigawa State, we can
improve the health and well-being of children, reduce the economic burden on
families and the healthcare system, and contribute to a more just and equitable
society.
1.5 Scope and Limitations
Scope
This study focuses on assessing the
prevalence and determinants of malnutrition among children aged zero to
fifty-nine months admitted to the General Hospital in Jigawa State. The
research involved a cross-sectional survey design, allowing for the collection
of data at a single point in time. The target population includes caregivers of
children within this age group, with data collected on demographic characteristics,
dietary practices, and health-related factors. The findings aim to provide
insights that can inform local health policies and interventions aimed at
reducing malnutrition rates in the region.
The study specifically explore the
following aspects:
- The prevalence of various forms of malnutrition
(stunting, wasting, and underweight).
- Socio-economic factors influencing malnutrition.
- Dietary practices and nutritional knowledge among
caregivers.
- Access to healthcare services and its relationship with
child nutritional status.
Limitations
While this study aims to provide
valuable insights, it is important to acknowledge certain limitations:
- Cross-Sectional Design: The use of a cross-sectional
design means that the study was capture data at a single point in time,
which limits the ability to establish causal relationships between
variables. Longitudinal studies would be necessary to assess changes over
time and the long-term effects of malnutrition.
- Sample Size: The study was conducted in a single hospital setting,
which may limit the generalizability of the findings to the broader
population of children in Jigawa State or other regions of Nigeria. A
larger, multi-site study could provide more representative data.
- Self-Reported Data: The study was rely on self-reported information from
caregivers regarding dietary practices and socio-economic status. This
could introduce bias, as caregivers may overestimate or underestimate
their children's nutritional intake and household income.
- Measurement Limitations: While anthropometric
measurements (Age, Gender, height and weight) can be taken to assess
nutritional status, there may be variability in measurement accuracy due
to factors such as the availability of trained personnel and equipment.
- Cultural Factors: Cultural beliefs and practices related to nutrition
may not be fully captured in the questionnaire, potentially missing
important contextual factors that influence dietary choices and child
nutrition.
1.6 Definition of Key Terms
- Malnutrition: A broad term that encompasses both undernutrition and
overnutrition. It includes a range of conditions resulting from inadequate
or excessive intake of nutrients, leading to health issues such as
stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies (WHO, 2021).
- Undernutrition: A form of malnutrition that occurs when an individual
does not consume sufficient nutrients to maintain health.
- Micronutrient Deficiencies: A lack of essential vitamins
and minerals required for optimal health. Common deficiencies include
iron, vitamin A, and iodine, which can have significant health
implications, particularly for children.
- Food Insecurity: A condition where individuals or families lack
reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
This can result from economic, social, or environmental factors and
contributes significantly to malnutrition.
- Socio-Economic Status (SES): An individual's or family's
economic and social position in relation to others, based on income,
education, and occupation. SES is a critical determinant of access to
resources, including nutritious food and healthcare.
- Anthropometric Measurements: A set of quantitative
measurements of the human body used to assess nutritional status. Common
anthropometric measurements include weight, height, and mid-upper arm
circumference (MUAC).
- Health Outcomes: The possible results or impacts of healthcare
practices, interventions, and conditions on individuals' health status. In
the context of malnutrition, adverse health outcomes can include increased
susceptibility to infections, developmental delays, and higher mortality
rates.
- Caregivers: Individuals responsible for the care and upbringing
of children, often parents or guardians, who play a critical role in
influencing children's nutritional practices and health.
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