Prevalence of Malnutrition, Causal Factors of Malnutrition and Other Risk Factors in Nigeria Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps

Authors

  • Ajuru Chidimma Grace Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria Author
  • Asinobi CO Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria Author
  • Afam-Anene OC Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria Author
  • Onyeneke Esther-Ben Ninikanwa Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64229/h9mgt589

Keywords:

Prevalence, Malnutrition, Causal Factors, Risk Factors, Nigeria Internally Displaced Persons

Abstract

This study assessed the eating practices, nutritional status, and prevalence of malnutrition among inhabitants aged 6 to 59 in three Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Nigeria. It also examined the impact of nutrition education. 1,910 respondents provided information via semi-structured, pretested questions that were given by interviewers. In addition to employing established techniques for anthropometric measurements and proximate food composition analyses, statistical tools such as correlation and t-tests were used to evaluate the effect of eating behaviour on BMI both before and after nutrition education.Of the household heads, the majority were between the ages of 36 and 50; 54.5% were men, and more than 62% lacked formal schooling. Various occupations were represented, with menial labour (36.4%) and farming (40.9%) being the most prevalent. While 39.8% of respondents did not have a source of income, 60.2% did. Malnutrition was common in every age group:Among schoolchildren, 61.9% of boys and 66.7% of girls were underweight, whereas 26% of males and 23.5% of females were overweight.The percentage of underweight adolescents was 88.5% for females and 89.9% for boys. 19% of women and 20% of men were obese; 46.8% of men and 56% of women were underweight.According to the study, the main causes of the poor nutrition in the camps were lack of nutrition knowledge, poverty, and subpar living conditions. It urges the government and NGOs to act quickly to enhance the dietary health of those living in IDP camps.

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Published

2025-08-13

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025)

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