Peer-reviewed article

Determination of prevalence and risk factors of childhood malnutrition in Ilorin South, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Opaleke Deborah Oluyemisi, Adam Ridwan Omotosho, Ebenezer Oluwagbenga Makinde, Alasi Oladimeji Sodiq · 8 Jul 2026

Abstract

Childhood malnutrition among children under five remains a major public health challenge in developing countries, including Nigeria, posing significant long-term health and developmental risks. This study examined the prevalence, related risk factors, and effectiveness of nutritional interventions for children between 0 and 5 years in the Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. A multi-phase sampling method was employed to select a total of 200 caregiver-child pairs. The study used body measurements and standard questionnaires to assess nutritional status and program participation. Results showed that 13.5% of children were underweight, while 7.5% were overweight and 1.5% were obese. Nutritional deficiencies were significantly associated with economic status, maternal education level, and healthcare access. Evaluation of interventions revealed that the Growth Monitoring and Promotion (GMP) program achieved the highest engagement (60% participation), whereas the Maternal Newborn Child Health Week (MNCHWC) and Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) programs showed lower levels of participation and perceived effectiveness. In addition, the nutritional counselling and services provided as part of the programs were observed to be the most impactful component for reducing malnutrition among the studied population. Statistically significant correlations were also found between caregivers' composite socio-demographic index and children's nutritional status (p < 0.05). To optimize national health outcomes, Nigeria must reform its nutritional framework by strengthening underperforming regional programs and prioritizing community-centred education to ensure more equitable and effective service delivery.