Abstract:

The Nigerian economy depression, Covid 19 pandemic, nationwide insecurity, and global warming are quartile factors, that affected the already compromised nutritional status of under-five children in the country, with a resultant increase in morbidity and mortality. A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken using two-stage cluster sampling method in Suleja, Tafa, and Gurara LGAs of Niger state. Data from 2350 under-fives were collected using questionnaires, and anthropometric measurements. WHO growth standard was used to determine the prevalence; multivariate logistic regression in IBM explored statistically significant independent variables associated with stunting, underweight and wasting using p-value of < 0.05. Prevalence of stunting was 47.4%, underweight 32.7%, and wasting 22.6% respectively. Severe stunting and underweight were higher in Suleja, severe wasting in Gurara, and male children were more affected by all indicators. Age of child, LGA, mother and father education, marital status, exclusive breastfeeding, and duration of breastfeeding; source and buying of drinking water, family type, maternal knowledge about malnutrition, and health seeking behavior of mothers were found as determinants. Under-five mortality is a good indicator of the health, and economic status of any community; thus, the health of under-fives needs the utmost attention. The high prevalence from the study is critical; a critical approach is urgently needed at the family, community, local government, state, and national levels with other stakeholders; to ensure under-fives receive adequate, quality, and affordable nutrients for health, and growth. Accessible, prompt, and sustainable interventions for identified cases are of utmost importance.

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