Assessment of Nutritional Status and Associated Factors in Children Aged 0-5 Years in Buea Locality, of the South West Region of Cameroon
Amungwa Ngwengeh Mary
Department of Social Economy and Family Management, Higher Technical Teachers’ Training College Kumba, University of Buea, Cameroon.
Asoba Gillian
Department of Social Economy and Family Management, Higher Technical Teachers’ Training College Kumba, University of Buea, Cameroon.
Ebong Fidelis *
Department of Social Economy and Family Management, Higher Technical Teachers’ Training College Kumba, University of Buea, Cameroon.
Metuge Samuel
Department of Social Economy and Family Management, Higher Technical Teachers’ Training College Kumba, University of Buea, Cameroon.
Teh Rene
Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Cameroon.
Sumbele Irene Ule
Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Malnutrition among children under five remains a critical public health challenge in Buea, Cameroon, exacerbated by socio-economic disparities, inadequate feeding practices, and limited healthcare access. This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study that took place from January 2025 to March 2025. Using Cochran formular to calculate the sample size, random sample of 300 children aged 0 to 5 in Buea and their guardians was carried out taking into consideration ethical considerations. Anthropometric parameters and structured questionnaires of children were measured, socio-demographic data of guardians and children's eating habits were collected, association between socio-demographic factors, dietary practices and malnutrition were identified. The results showed that 50% were well-nourished, while 33.33% and 16.67% experienced moderate and severe malnutrition, respectively. Key determinants included low household income, maternal education, and irregular meal patterns. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, including community-based nutrition programs, improved food security, and parental education, to mitigate malnutrition and its long-term consequences on child development.
Keywords: Nutritional status, child malnutrition, public health, healthcare access