Determinants of child malnutrition in Northern Nigeria: the influence of maternal education and socioeconomic indicators

Abstract Background: Child malnutrition remains a critical public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, with Northern Nigeria experiencing alarmingly high rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children under five. Limited maternal education, low socioeconomic status, and inadequate health services contribute to this persistent burden, impairing child growth and development. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from the Nigerian Demographic and Health Surveys spanning 2010–2018. A two-stage stratified cluster sampling approach provided a representative sample of mother–child pairs from the north-central, north-east, and north-west regions. Standardized anthropometric measurements were obtained according to World Health Organization protocols, and logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between maternal education, household wealth, and health indicators and child malnutrition outcomes. Results: The analysis revealed that 40.8% of the children were stunted, 14.5% wasted, and 29.3% underweight. Children whose mothers had no formal education and those from the poorest households faced significantly higher odds of malnutrition ( P < 0.001). Regional disparities were pronounced, with the north-west and north-east exhibiting substantially higher risks than the north-central region. In contrast, higher maternal education and improved household economic status were associated with a reduced risk of malnutrition. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that a complex interplay of educational, socioeconomic, and health factors drives child malnutrition in Northern Nigeria. Targeted interventions to enhance maternal education, reduce poverty, and strengthen healthcare delivery are crucial to breaking the cycle of malnutrition and promoting healthier child development in this vulnerable region. These findings inform urgent policy reforms and community initiatives.