Prevalence and Determinants of Severe Acute Malnutrition among Children Aged Under Five Years in Rural Communities of Kwali Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

Ngwu JC; Udeh SC; Okolo-Obasi NV; Anyanwu GO

doi:10.61386/imj.v19i4.1370

Authors

Ngwu JC Department of Biochemistry, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Udeh SC Department of Biochemistry, Veritas University, Bwari-Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
Okolo-Obasi NV Institute for Development Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Anyanwu GO Department of Biochemistry, Bingham University, Karu, Abuja, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3110-2627

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v19i4.1370

Keywords:

Severe Acute Malnutrition, Under-Five Children, Prevalence, Determinants, Water Source, Kwali, Nigeria

Abstract

Context: Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) is a key public health problem in Nigeria, contributing to children's mortality. Understanding its local determinants is crucial for effective intervention.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SAM and to assess the effect of socio-economic, cultural/religious, and maternal/child-health-practice factors on SAM among children aged 6-59 months in the rural communities of Kwali Area Council, Abuja.

Materials and Methods: The study employed a community-based cross-sectional design involving 220 mother/caregiver-child pairs selected via a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Nutritional status was determined using Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), with SAM defined as MUAC < 11.5cm among children aged 6-59 months. Data were analysed in IBM SPSS Statistics version 29 using descriptive statistics, the Chi-square/Fisher's exact test for associations, and binary logistic regression done to identify independent determinants of SAM at a 5% significance level.

Results: The prevalence of SAM was 15.5% (34/220). At bivariate level, caregiver occupation (p=0.034), household drinking water source (p<0.001), food taboo (p=0.011), and immunization status (p=0.001) were significantly associated with SAM. Multivariable logistic regression (n=214) identified three significant independent determinants: food taboo (AOR=7.62, 95% CI: 1.86-31.17, p=0.005), incomplete immunization (AOR=4.92, 95% CI: 1.92-12.60, p=0.001), and an unimproved household drinking water source (AOR=4.06, 95% CI: 1.65-10.01, p=0.002).

Conclusion: The prevalence of SAM in Kwali (15.5%) remains above the national average of 7% and represents a serious public health concern. Food taboo practice, incomplete immunization, and an unimproved household drinking water source emerged as the three strongest, statistically significant, and modifiable determinants in this population, warranting targeted nutrition education, improved immunization coverage, and expansion of safe water access as priority interventions.