Nutritional Status of the Under Five in Bayelsa State, A Comparison of a Government Intervened Community with A Non-Government Intervened Community

Ndenu; N. P.

doi:10.56201/ijhpr.vol.10.no12.2025.pg175.198

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Nutritional Status of the Under Five in Bayelsa State, A Comparison of a Government Intervened Community with A Non-Government Intervened Community

Ndenu, N. P.

Abstract

Child malnutrition is a major health issue in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas like Bayelsa State. This study compares the nutritional status of under-five children and caregivers in Agudama-Epie (a UNICEF-intervened community) and Amasoma (a non-intervened community). Using a cross-sectional design, data was collected from 202 caregiver-child pairs through questionnaires and anthropometric measurements following WHO standards. Results showed malnutrition was prevalent in both communities, but lower in Agudama-Epie, with better hygiene, diet diversification, and feeding habits. Stunting, wasting, and underweight rates were relatively lower in Agudama-Epie. In contrast, Amasoma had higher malnutrition rates linked to poor breastfeeding, low dietary variety, inadequate sanitation, and increased disease burden. The study also found malnutrition is a dual burden, with underweight and overweight cases coexisting in families, reflecting a mix of BMI patterns among caregivers. The study concludes that government and NGO nutrition interventions can reduce undernutrition among under-five children. Sustainability requires combined efforts in caregiver education, poverty reduction, and environmental health enhancement. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions to address malnutrition in vulnerable communities.

Keywords

malnutritionunder-five childrennutritional statuscaregiver practicesUNICEF interventionBayelsa StateNigeria.

References

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Nutritional Status of the Under Five in Bayelsa State, A Comparison of a Government Intervened Community with A Non-Government Intervened Community

Abstract

Keywords

References

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