Under-five malnutrition in a South-Eastern Nigeria metropolitan city

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition (under and overnutrition) presents significant threats to child health. The co-existence of under and overnutrition in a population is increasingly being described in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of malnutrition among under-five children in Enugu metropolis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of pre-primary school children conducted from January to May 2016. using stratified sampling technique. Caregiver-administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information. Weights and heights were measured using a standard weight scale and stadiometer/ length mat respectively. Wasting, stunting, overweight and obesity were determined based on the recommended WHO Growth Standard. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 20.0. The associations between nutritional status on one hand, and categorical variables such as age grouping, sex, socio-economic status, and maternal education were determined using chi square. P-value < 0.05 were reported as statistically significant. RESULTS: Eighteen (2.4%) and 26 (3.5%) subjects were wasted and stunted respectively. Eleven (1.5%) subjects were overweight while another 11(1.5%) subjects were obese. Risk factors for undernutrition were maternal education and low socioeconomic class while risk factor for overnutrition was upper socioeconomic class.. CONCLUSION: There is a low rate of malnutrition in the area of study. However, sustained efforts must continue to prevent further rise and possibly eliminate the scourge of malnutrition.