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VOL. 8, ISSUE 2 (2026)
The determinants of child malnutrition in Sokoto state, Nigeria: A multi-sectoral analysis of socio-demographic and health-related factors
Authors
Ibrahim Ashafura Musa, Abubakar Kabir, Abubakar Umar
Abstract
Malnutrition among under-five children is a persistent public health
challenge in Northern Nigeria, yet the complex interplay of socio-demographic
and health-related determinants at the household level remains inadequately
characterized. This study aimed to identify the socio-demographic and
health-related factors associated with malnutrition among children under five
years in Sokoto State, Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional study was
conducted among 150 mother-child pairs attending Primary Health Centres across
twelve Local Government Areas in Sokoto State. Data were collected using a
semi-structured questionnaire capturing geographic, demographic, socioeconomic,
WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and health-related characteristics.
Anthropometric measurements (weight, height/length, MUAC) were collected, and
malnutrition was defined as underweight (Weight-for-Age Z-score < -2SD).
Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed
to identify independent predictors of malnutrition. The study revealed a
population facing profound multi-dimensional deprivation. The majority of
respondents resided in rural areas (82%), depended on subsistence farming (55.3%),
and lived in extreme poverty (45.3% with monthly income < ₦20,000). Dietary
diversity was critically low, with 73.3% of households consuming ≤4 food groups
daily. Incomplete immunization coverage (54.7%), poor sanitation (35.3%
practicing open defecation), and suboptimal Infant and Young Child Feeding
(IYCF) practices (76.7% mixed feeding) were highly prevalent. Multivariate
logistic regression identified three independent predictors of underweight: low
household dietary diversity (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.8–9.8, p = 0.001), low
maternal education (none/Qur'anic only) (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.3–7.4, p = 0.011),
and extreme household poverty (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.2–6.5, p = 0.018). The
model explained 41% of the variance in malnutrition status (Nagelkerke R² = 0.41).
Malnutrition in Sokoto State is driven by a synergistic interplay of dietary
inadequacy, maternal educational deprivation, and extreme poverty. These
findings underscore the need for integrated, multi-sectoral interventions that
simultaneously address dietary diversity, women's empowerment, and economic
resilience, rather than narrow, nutrition-specific approaches alone.
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Pages:14-22
How to cite this article:
Ibrahim Ashafura Musa, Abubakar Kabir, Abubakar Umar "The determinants of child malnutrition in Sokoto state, Nigeria: A multi-sectoral analysis of socio-demographic and health-related factors". International Journal of Nursing and Health Research, Vol 8, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 14-22
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