A catastrophic burden of malnutrition in Sokoto state, Nigeria: A cross-sectional analysis of anthropometric indices in under-five children

Malnutrition remains a critical public health challenge in Northern Nigeria, with Sokoto State bearing a disproportionate burden. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children under five years of age in Sokoto State, using a range of anthropometric indicators. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 children attending Primary Health Centers. Anthropometric measurements, including weight, height/length, and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), were collected using standardized procedures. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and nutritional status was classified according to WHO child growth standards. The age and sex distribution of the cohort were also examined. The study revealed an exceptionally high burden of malnutrition. The prevalence of underweight (Weight-for-Age Z-score < -2SD) was 83.3%, with 20.0% severely underweight. MUAC classification showed that 68.7% of children suffered from acute malnutrition, including 28.0% with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and 40.7% with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM). The age distribution confirmed that 64.7% of children were under 36 months, with a mean weight trajectory showing profound and progressive growth faltering compared to WHO standards, particularly during the 13-24 month weaning period. A slight female advantage in mean weight (6.6 kg vs. 6.3 kg) was observed. The findings reveal a catastrophic nutritional crisis of an unprecedented scale, far exceeding WHO emergency thresholds. The convergence of high rates of underweight and acute malnutrition, driven by growth faltering in the first 1000 days, indicates profound systemic failures in diet, healthcare, and sanitation. Urgent, multi-sectoral interventions targeting the critical weaning period are imperative to avert high mortality and long-term developmental consequences.