Effectiveness of Nutrition Intervention Programme Among Under Five (5) Children in the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition Sites in Ebonyi State

Background: Malnutrition severely impairs pediatric cognitive development and long-term economic productivity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) programme among children under five in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, involving 200 malnourished children undergoing rehabilitation at selected centers in Abakaliki and Afikpo North LGAs. Data on socio-economic status, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices, and program effectiveness were collected via structured questionnaires. Anthropometric indices (weight, height, and MUAC) were assessed using standard procedures. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square (X2) tests to determine associations at p < 0.05. Results: Most children (51.0%) were aged 0–18 months, with a female preponderance (57.0%). Socio-economic data revealed that 34.5% of households earned ₦100,000–₦199,999 annually. Clinical response to the intervention was robust, with 64.0% showing an excellent response and 58.5% achieving significant weight gain. Post-intervention, mean weight increased from 5.98 kg to 9.0 kg in males and 6.02 kg to 9.04 kg in females; MUAC improved from 6.11 cm to 9.25 cm and 5.77 cm to 8.96 cm, respectively. The prevalence of wasting decreased from 25% to 10% and thinness from 28% to 9%. However, the prevalence of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) remained high at 61% post-intervention, likely reflecting chronic baseline deprivation. Gender was significantly associated with underweight (X2= 0.684, p < 0.05) and stunting (X2= 0.747, p < 0.05). Additionally, the program's impact was significantly associated with WASH factors, including water source (X2= 69.20, p = 0.000) and waste disposal methods (X2= 12.00, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The IMAM programme demonstrated measurable success in improving acute anthropometric indices. However, the high prevalence of SAM underscores the persistent challenges of low socio-economic status and poor WASH infrastructure in rural Ebonyi State. Sustained improvements require integrating nutrition education with broader poverty alleviation and environmental hygiene interventions.