INCIDENCE OF MALNUTRITION AMONG UNDER FIVE CHILDREN IN EDO STATE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, AUCHI, EDO STATE.

Knowledge on incidence of malnutrition among under five children will help reduce the risks of malnutrition in children. Malnutrition is deficiency in adequate diet. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of malnutrition among under five children in Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Edo state. A descriptive research design was used. The sample size of the study was 50, which was calculated using Taro Yamane's method. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 50 nurses and doctors out of which all responded and completed the questionnaire, thereby given the respondents equal chances of being selected for the research study. This was done by distributing a Well -structured questionnaire to eligible respondents met during the period of the research. An analysis was done using Descriptive Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.The results showed that (75.0%) agreed that they noticed signs of malnutrition in the child such as weight loss or stunted growth, (55.0%) disagreed that they are aware of the causes of malnutrition in children under five, (75.0%) agreed that there are financial constraints preventing them from providing adequate nutrition for their children. Based on the findings of this study, the researcher recommends that health education on malnutrition should be incorporated at Antenatal clinic and more public enlightenment must be carried out.