1 Department of Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Bamenda, Cameron.
2 Department of Environmental Science,College of the Coast and Environment, Louisiana State University, United States.
3 Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Applied Food Science and Tourism, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria.
4 Department of Public Health (Epidemiology), Community Health and Primary Care, University of Lagos, Nigeria.
5 Department of Pharmacy, Parul Institute of Pharmacy and Research, Parul University, India.
6 Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy,Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria.
7 Department of Biochemistry, Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos, Nigeria.
8 Department of Health Behavior and Nutritional Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Delaware, USA.
9 Institute of Child Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
10 Department of Science Education (Biology), Niger Delta University, Nigeria.
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 25(03), 2062-2075
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2025.25.3.0798
Received on 14 February 2025; revised on 23 March 2025; accepted on 26 March 2025
Background: Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is an acute form of malnutrition caused by inadequate intake of calories and proteins and remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children in Nigeria. This study assessed the health risks associated with protein-energy malnutrition among under-five children managed at a health centre in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area, Imo State.
Method: The descriptive research design was adopted for the study, and a total of 350 respondents were sampled. The data were obtained through a structured questionnaire.
Results: The results indicated that 62.00% and 41.00% of the children were at health risk due to PEM. Parental education level, parity, poverty, and ignorance were some of the socio-demographic factors affecting PEM. (X² = 3.357, df = 2, p = 0.000) indicated that there was a significant relationship between PEM and parental socio-demographic background.
Conclusion: These findings point out that PEM poses serious health risks, while targeted health education programs focusing on nutrition by caregivers are of utmost urgency in the study area. Community-based interventions on proper nutrition can also greatly help to minimize the health risks of malnutrition in under-five children.
Protein-Energy Malnutrition; Under-Five Children; Health Risks; Socio-Demographic Factors; Nutrition Education.
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Amarachi Grace Melah, Eloho Mathilda Aghworo, Favour Chinemerem Nwachukwu, Adaora Chiamaka Ekekwe, Covenant Mosetoluwa Popoola, Mautin Oluwatosin Salako, Mark Akinola Ige, Mary Adebimpe Adewoye, Olubukola Sarah Ale and Patricia Okwuchi Nneji. Health risks of under-five children with protein- energy malnutrition at a health Centre in Ngor-Okpala L.G.A of Imo State. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 25(03), 2062-2075. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2025.25.3.0798.
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