ASSESSING THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF SEVERE ACUTE MALNUTRITION SAM ON CHILDHOOD HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY OF AZARE, KATAGUM LGA, BAUCHI STATE

ABSTRACT Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) remains a critical public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in rural northern regions such as Azare, Katagum LGA of Bauchi State. This study assessed the prevalence, health consequences, developmental effects, and contributing factors of SAM among children aged 6–59 months. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving 317 caregivers selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that 40.7% of children had experienced SAM, with the majority receiving treatment through community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) programs and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF). However, only 63.6% of affected children fully recovered, indicating gaps in treatment effectiveness and follow-up. Feeding practices were suboptimal, with only 54.9% of caregivers practicing exclusive breastfeeding and many introducing complementary foods too early. Food insecurity affected nearly half of the households, contributing to inadequate dietary diversity. The study also identified significant health and developmental consequences of SAM. Affected children were more likely to suffer frequent illnesses (66.9%) and developmental delays (30.9%). Key contributing factors included low maternal education, poverty, poor access to healthcare, and limited caregiver knowledge of proper feeding practices. In conclusion, SAM in Azare is both a health and socio-economic issue. Although CMAM interventions are beneficial, there is an urgent need to strengthen prevention strategies, improve caregiver education, and address underlying socio-economic determinants. The findings offer critical insights for policy-makers and health professionals aiming to reduce SAM and improve child health outcomes in similar contexts.