MATERNAL, INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD NUTRITION (MIYCN): RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING SEVERE ACUTE MALNUTRITION IN UNDER FIVE CHILDREN ATTENDING INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE MALNUTRITION AT PRIMARY HEALTH CARE GAGI, SOKOTO STATE.

Abstract

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a major public health problem among under-five children in Northwestern Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto State, despite the implementation of Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) services. This study assessed nutritional status and identified risk factors associated with the development of SAM among under-five children attending IMAM services at Primary Health Care (PHC) Gagi, Sokoto State. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted, involving 88 mother–child pairs enrolled in IMAM services. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurements, including Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) for children and Body Mass Index (BMI) for mothers/caregivers. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20, with descriptive statistics and correlation analysis used to assess relationships between MIYCN practices, IMAM services, socio-demographic factors, and child nutritional status. Findings revealed a high burden of acute malnutrition among the children studied, with over half of infants (51.3%) and nearly two-thirds of young children (62.5%) classified as having SAM. Although the majority of mothers/caregivers had normal BMI, suboptimal MIYCN practices were prevalent, particularly poor dietary diversity, low fruit and vegetable consumption, inadequate deworming, and inconsistent growth monitoring attendance. IMAM services, specifically regular growth monitoring and receipt of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), showed a significant positive relationship with improved MUAC among infants but not among young children. Socio-demographic and environmental factors did not show a statistically significant association with SAM development in this study. The study concludes that while IMAM services contribute to improved nutritional outcomes among infants, persistent poor MIYCN practices continue to drive the high prevalence of SAM, especially among young children. Strengthening MIYCN counselling, improving dietary diversity using locally available foods, and enhancing IMAM follow-up particularly for older children are essential to reducing the burden of severe acute malnutrition in Sokoto State.