Factors Contributing to Malnutrition Among Children Under Five Years Old: A Review

Abstract

Malnutrition represents a profound imbalance between essential nutrient intake and the body's physiological needs, serving as a critical public health crisis among children under five years old. This condition is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing nations, particularly within Africa and Asia. The primary objective of this review is to examine and synthesize key factors contributing to malnutrition in early childhood by analyzing evidence from published literature. Methodologically, a comprehensive search was conducted across databases like PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on determinants in children under five. The findings demonstrate that malnutrition is a multi-factorial phenomenon driven by immediate causes such as inadequate dietary intake and infectious diseases. Furthermore, underlying and basic causes including socioeconomic constraints, poverty, and inadequate maternal education significantly exacerbate nutritional outcomes. Environmental conditions, specifically limited access to clean water and poor sanitation, further increase vulnerability to diseases like diarrhea, which directly impairs nutritional status. The review concludes that addressing these interrelated factors—ranging from food security to maternal care practices—is essential for developing sustainable interventions. Strengthening healthcare systems and improving educational resources for mothers are vital steps toward reducing the global burden of child malnutrition.