Assessment of Growth and Nutritional Status of Children Aged 6 to 59 Months in Internally Displaced Persons Camps in Adamawa State, North East Nigeria

Children living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps face heightened vulnerability to malnutrition due to food insecurity, disrupted healthcare access, and poor sanitation. This cross-sectional study assesses the growth and nutritional status of children aged 6 to 59 months residing in IDP camps in Adamawa State, North East Nigeria. A total of 295 children were selected through cluster sampling from three registered IDP settlements. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height, and mid-upper arm circumference were taken following standardised protocols. Mothers and caregivers completed a structured questionnaire covering dietary diversity, feeding frequency, illness episodes, and access to food assistance programmes. Findings indicated a global acute malnutrition rate of 23.4%, exceeding the WHO emergency threshold of 15%. Stunting was present in 41.6% of children, and 28.9% were underweight. Severe acute malnutrition was recorded in 6.8% of children. Lower dietary diversity scores and inadequate feeding frequency were strongly associated with worse nutritional outcomes. Access to humanitarian food aid was protective, though coverage was incomplete. The findings reinforce the need for emergency nutrition interventions, community management of acute malnutrition, and sustained humanitarian presence in conflict-affected zones. Integration of nutrition services with child health programmes within camp settings is strongly advocated. Keywords: malnutrition, IDP camps, growth assessment, Adamawa State, North East Nigeria.