TITLE:
Occurrence and Predictors of Undernutrition in Children Less Than Five Years Old: A Case Study of Old Town and Bamendakwe in the North West Region of Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Lukong Jude Thaddeus Veranso, Lifoter Kenneth Navti, Lukong Hubert Shalanyuy, Tanlaka Lucas Mengnjo, Dine Mariclaire Leinyuy, Bamwai Esther Suiven, Leonard Nyuyseni Randze
KEYWORDS:
Occurrence, Predictors, Undernutrition, Children Less Than Five Years Old, Old Town, Bamendakwe, North West Region, Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.12 No.10,
October
23,
2025
ABSTRACT: Undernutrition, caused by insufficient intake of energy and nutrients, impairs growth and reduces energy reserves in children. It is both a cause and consequence of poverty, affecting health, development, and societal economic progress. Africa bears a disproportionate burden, with millions of children affected by stunting and wasting, increasing susceptibility to infections and mortality. In Cameroon, undernutrition remains a significant public health concern, contributing to under-five deaths and highlighting the need for targeted interventions and research. This study was a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted in Old Town and Bamendankwe, Bamenda, to assess undernutrition among children under five and their parents. A total of 195 children were selected using multi-stage purposive and snowball sampling. Data collection involved anthropometric measurements (height/length, weight, mid-upper arm circumference) and sociodemographic information via a structured questionnaire. Nutritional status was classified using WHO 2007 growth standards as mild, moderate, or severe undernutrition. Data analysis included t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression using SPSS version 21, with ethical approval and informed consent obtained. A total of 195 mothers participated, aged 17 - 38 years, with 52% Muslim and varying education levels. Most households had at least three members with diverse income levels. Children showed no significant gender differences in anthropometric measurements or z-scores (p > 0.05). Overall prevalence of undernutrition was: stunting (26% mild, 19.3% moderate, 8.9% severe), underweight (23.3% mild, 6.2% moderate, 4.1% severe), and wasting (12% mild, 2.6% moderate, 1% severe), with the 27 - 36 months age group most affected. No significant differences in stunting were observed by gender or residence, but underweight and wasting were higher in Old Town (p = 0.007). Religious differences were significant for underweight (p