Community Health Education and Malnutrition Prevention Among Under-Five Children in Yobe State

Malnutrition among children under five in the North East geopolitical zone of Nigeria remains one of the most critical and persistent public health challenges, shaped by humanitarian crises, food insecurity, and inadequate caregiver health knowledge. This study evaluated the role of community health education in preventing malnutrition among children under five in Yobe State. A survey design was used, with 180 mothers and primary caregivers recruited from health facilities and community nutrition centres in Damaturu, Potiskum, and Nguru local government areas. Structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurement records were reviewed as data collection instruments. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Results revealed that caregivers who had participated in community-based nutrition education sessions demonstrated significantly better complementary feeding practices, including timely introduction of age-appropriate foods and appropriate meal frequency. Wasting and stunting rates were lower in communities with active nutrition education programmes compared to those without. Barriers to programme uptake included poor community access, displacement, and distrust of government health structures. The study recommended scaling up community health education on nutrition in Yobe State, with investment in community-based management of acute malnutrition and caregiver education by trained health extension workers. Keywords: malnutrition prevention, community health education, children under five, Yobe State, nutrition