PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITION AND ITS DETERMINANTS AMONG CHILDREN UNDER-FIVE YEARS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Malnutrition remains a major global public health challenge, especially among children under five years and the percentage of wasting in Lagos State was also found to be higher than the global target of less than 5%. This study therefore examined the prevalence of malnutrition and its determinants among children under-five years in Epe Local Government of Lagos State. The study involved 107 under-five children and their mothers. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standard procedure while a validated semi structured questionnaire was used to elicit information regarding the determinants of malnutrition. Indices were expressed as the standard deviation of units from the median for the reference group. Chi-square analysis was used to test significant differences in proportion, and p < 0.05 was taken .Results showed that the mean age of the children was 9.90±1.35. More than half (53.3%) were female. Prevalence of Wasting, stunting, underweight, overweight and obesity were found to be 16.8%, 6.5%, 11.2%, 1.9% and 2.8% respectively. Age of children, family income and toilet facility were the major determinants of malnutrition. Prevalence of malnutrition is higher among under-five male children, particularly between 5-11 months. There should be awareness of nutritional knowledge regarding the feeding practices and habit of the children especially children between 5- 11months. Further studies should be tailored on other determinants factors of malnutrition among under-five children in different locations of the State.