Analysis of Malnutrition and Associated Factors among Under Five Years in Kaura Local Government, Kaduna State, Nigeria

This study was intended to apply statistical analysis to determine malnutrition and associated factors among under- five years in Kaura Local Government Area of southern Kaduna State, Nigeria. Malnutrition remains a public health problem in developing countries like Nigeria. The study involved 150 children drawn using multi-stage sampling was adopted. Observation for edema, emaciation, sunken eyes, dehydrated skin, tin grey hair and protruding abdomen was done. Stunting, Underweight and wasting were determined using the WHO child growth standards. The classification of Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) was done using weight-for-age with or without edema. Children between 80-60% without edema were considered underweight, 80-60% with edema is Kwashiorkor and less than 60% with edema is Marasmic-Kwashiorkor while less than 60% without edema is Marasmus. Questionnaire, Weighing scale and a length board was used in the collection of data. Data was analyzed using Chi-squared and descriptive statistics. Findings indicate that prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight was 47.33%, 8.67% and 25.33% respectively. About 18.67% were diagnosed with various forms of protein energy malnutrition and is most common among male children (27.4%), younger children (31%) between (0-11 months) and children having mothers with no formal education (20%). Marasmus was the most common form of protein energy malnutrition (65.38%). Age of Child, Gender and maternal Educational status have influence on Malnutrition. At (p=0.05) the relationship between malnutrition and age of baby, gender with mothers education was statistically significant.