Assessment of Nutritional Status of Children 0 to 15 Years Using Anthropometric Parameters in Conflict-Affected Communities in Southern Kaduna, Nigeria

Background: Children are the bedrock of society, and their health and development are therefore essential in the determination of the health trend of the future population. A child is defined by the WHO as a human between the developmental period of infancy and puberty. Anthropometry is a noninvasive method of determining nutritional status of children and infants. Weight and height are a function of growth and point towards the development of the child. They suggest underlying health conditions as well predictive value for the overall health status of a community. Disorders of nutrition pose a public health concern in both the developing as well as the Western nations. AIM: This study was aimed at assessing the nutritional status of children aged 0 - 15 using the anthropometric measurements, weight and height in the Kagoro community of Kaura Local Government Area, Southern Kaduna State. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Questionnaires were administered for this study, and the anthropometric parameters Weight for age (WAZ), Height for age (HAZ), Weight for height (WHZ) of children aged 0 - 15 years in the community were obtained. Household selection was done by multi-stage sampling. Data were collected and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 and presented in tables. Result: The study found that the prevalence of underweight was 187 (27.7%), while 366 (54.2%) were normal weight for age, and 122 (18.1%) were overweight. The prevalence of stunting was 240 (35.6%), and 435 (64.4%) were of normal height for age. Summarily, the prevalence of wasting was 196 (29.0%). 78 (11.6%) were severely wasted, 51 (7.6%) were moderately wasted, 67 (9.9%) were mildly wasted, and 479 (71.0%) had normal weight for height. Conclusion: The study reveals a high prevalence of child undernutrition in Kagoro, with wasting (29.0%), stunting (35.6%), and underweight (27.7%) presenting significant public health concerns. These findings underscore an urgent need for targeted community-level nutritional interventions, enhanced maternal-child health services, and sustainable food security initiatives in the Kaura Local Government Area.