Statistical Analysis of Nutritional Status of Children Under Five in Yobe State Using Anthropometric Measurements

Childhood malnutrition in Yobe State, North East Nigeria, encompasses stunting, wasting, and underweight conditions whose statistical profiling by anthropometric measurement is fundamental to targeted nutrition programme design in a region affected by food insecurity and conflict-related displacement. This study analyses the nutritional status of children under five years in Yobe State using WHO-standardised anthropometric measurements. A cross-sectional survey enrolled 320 children aged 6 to 59 months from households in Damaturu, Potiskum, and Nguru LGAs. Height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference were measured following standardised protocols. Z-scores for height-for-age, weight-for-age, and weight-for-height were computed using WHO Anthro software. Prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight with 95 percent confidence intervals were computed. Logistic regression identified predictors of stunting as the primary malnutrition indicator. Stunting prevalence was 46.3 percent (95% CI: 40.9 to 51.8 percent), wasting 18.7 percent, and underweight 41.2 percent. Severe stunting accounted for 19.4 percent. Age 24 to 35 months carried the highest stunting risk. Logistic regression showed that food insecurity (OR 3.4), maternal education below primary level (OR 2.7), and household water insecurity (OR 2.1) were independently associated with stunting. Male children showed higher stunting prevalence than females. The study provides a statistically rigorous nutritional profile for Yobe State and recommends targeted complementary feeding programmes, maternal nutrition education, and WASH investments. Keywords: nutritional status, anthropometric measurement, stunting, Yobe State, children under five