ABSTRACT

Malnutrition among pre-school children remains a significant public health challenge, manifesting as both undernutrition and overnutrition, which impact growth, development, and long-term health outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the children and their caregivers respectively; dietary intake, and anthropometric measurements of pre-school children. It also explored the relationship between dietary diversity and anthropometric indicators to provide insights into nutritional challenges in this population. A cross-sectional study was employed using a multi-stage sampling technique, 180 pre-school children (2-5 years) were selected. Data were collected through validated questionnaires, dietary recalls, and anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI, and MUAC). The data collected were sorted and analyzed statistically using SPSS (statistical package for social science) Version 22 and Chi-square test. The data were presented in frequencies and percentage using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed a dual burden of malnutrition, with 8.0% of children underweight, 16.0% overweight, and 7.3% obese. Stunting affected 20.0% of children, while 95.0% had normal MUAC measurements. Dietary diversity was moderate for most children (65.6%), with significant associations between dietary diversity and key anthropometric indicators such as MUAC (p=0.041) and weight-for-age (p=0.003). Despite adequate staple food consumption, intakes of fruits, vegetables, and legumes were limited, reflecting a need for improved dietary quality. The study underscores the critical role of dietary diversity in improving the nutritional status of pre-school children. It calls for targeted nutritional interventions, caregiver education, and policies to enhance access to diverse, nutrient-rich foods, addressing both undernutrition and overnutrition in this population.