Study on risk factors for Poor Nutritional Status among <5 children in Baidoa district.

Abstract Malnutrition remains a significant public health challenge, particularly among children under the age of five, as it contributes to high morbidity and mortality rates. This study examines the risk factors for poor nutritional status among children under five in Baidoa District, Somalia. The research explores socio-demographic, economic, and environmental determinants that influence childhood malnutrition. Using a cross-sectional study design, data was collected through structured questionnaires and interviews with caregivers of children under five. The findings indicate that factors such as low household income, large family size, lack of exclusive breastfeeding, poor immunization coverage, and inadequate hygiene practices contribute to poor nutritional outcomes. Additionally, limited access to safe drinking water and sanitation, frequent diarrheal infections, and food insecurity exacerbate malnutrition rates among young children in Baidoa. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to improve child nutrition, including promoting exclusive breastfeeding, expanding immunization coverage, enhancing public health awareness, and improving access to clean water and sanitation. Recommendations include strengthening community-based nutrition programs, integrating nutritional support into healthcare services, and formulating policies that address food security and child health. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and organizations working to combat malnutrition among children in Somalia.