Abstract

Malnutrition, and in particular protein-energy malnutrition in young and growing children have become one of the serious health problems in Nigeria. Malnutrition is regarded as a complex outcome with multiple causation which can have adverse effects on the physical and mental development of the growing children. Children constitute the most nutritionally vulnerable group in any community and as such, the overriding interest of this study was to appraise the nutritional status of under five children of low income earners in Nigeria with focus on Nasarawa State case. This study utilized descriptive research design and logistics regression method of analysis in carrying out the empirical analysis. The finding revealed that income level of parents 1.22 had no significant effect on nutritional status of under - five children in Nasarawa State. The implication of this result is that, large family size associated with low income levels have been responsible for lack of care and attention for under five children. Most people in staying in rural areas live together income location with extended families, relations and clans which tend to have adverse effects on nutritional status of their under-five children. The findings have demonstrated that educational attainment of male and female parents had no significant effect on nutritional status of under-five children which is 1.878 in Nasarawa State; and hence the low level of education of most parents has not helped to improve the nutritional status of their under-five children. Based on the findings, the study thus recommends that there is the need government to formulate policies that will address the health and nutritional needs of under five children in Nigeria. The health ministry should collaborate with Ministry of Education, Ministry of women affairs and other relevant stakeholders to advocate for girl child education and women education, which will facilitate knowledge and skills in preparing the required calorie needs of the child and the family.