Health risks of under-five children with protein- energy malnutrition at a health Centre in Ngor-Okpala L.G.A of Imo State

Melah, Amarachi Grace and Aghworo, Eloho Mathilda and Nwachukwu, Favour Chinemerem and Ekekwe, Adaora Chiamaka and Popoola, Covenant Mosetoluwa and Salako, Mautin Oluwatosin and Ige, Mark Akinola and Adewoye, Mary Adebimpe and Ale, Olubukola Sarah and Nneji, Patricia Okwuchi (2025) 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, 25 (3). pp. 2062-2075. ISSN 2581-9615

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.