Prevalence and Correlates of Malnutrition and Anaemia among Young Children in Rural Northeastern Ghana: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
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Introduction
Undernutrition remains a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, including Ghana, with generational consequences. This study examined the prevalence and place-based correlates of malnutrition and anaemia among children under five years old in rural Northeastern Ghana, aiming to develop effective interventions.
Methodology
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 rural communities in the East Mamprusi Municipality in June/July 2023. Anthropometric and haemoglobin measurements were taken from children under five, alongside socio-demographic, maternal health, and feeding practice data. Descriptive and logistic regression were used to identify the prevalence and determinants of child nutrition indicators.
Results
The prevalence of malnutrition was 34.3% for stunting, 31.9% for wasting, 27.8% for underweight, and 55.2% for anaemia. Key associated factors of underweight included a lack of home healthcare provider support [AOR = 21.44, 95% CI: 3.39–135.78, p = 0.001] and non-exclusive breastfeeding [AOR = 9.53, 95% CI: 1.71–53.06, p = 0.01]. Wasting was associated with the absence of age-appropriate complementary feeding [AOR = 11.23, 95% CI: 2.35–53.74, p = 0.002] and failure to prevent iodine deficiency [AOR = 8.37, 95% CI: 1.93–36.24, p = 0.004]. Stunting was linked to lower household food expenditure [AOR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.97–0.98, p < 0.001] and limited caregiver knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding [AOR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16–0.91, p = 0.03]. Anaemia was more likely in children whose mothers did not implement anaemia-preventive practices [AOR = 6.41, 95% CI: 1.31–31.32, p = 0.022], while protective factors included maternal satisfaction with health services [AOR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03–0.50, p = 0.003] and exclusive breastfeeding [AOR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.10–0.93, p = 0.036].
Conclusion
Child malnutrition and anaemia remain unacceptably high in rural Northeastern Ghana. Co-designed, community-specific and culturally relevant strategies are urgently needed to address these challenges sustainably.
