Abstract
The research investigated the impact of malnutrition on academic performance in secondary schools within Nyarushanja Sub County, Rukungiri District. Five schools Bwanga, Rubirizi, St. Peters, Bwanga High, and Nyarushanje High were involved. A total of 1,153 respondents, including head teachers, deputy head teachers, students, and parents, were considered. Sampling involved various methods: purposive, simple random, and stratified random sampling. Primary data came from questionnaires, interviews, and observations, while secondary data included existing literature from sources like magazines and textbooks. Demographic characteristics were assessed: 54% male, 46% female respondents; 36.7% single, 56.6% married, and 6.7% divorced respondents; and age distributions with a majority falling within the 21-30 age bracket. Regarding malnutrition's effects on academic performance, findings included causes such as poor balanced diet (30%), famine (18.3%), and digestive illnesses (16.7%)—and relationships, like cognitive functioning (33.3%) and the impact of iron and zinc on brain function. Proposed solutions to address poor nutrition encompassed providing balanced diet foods (33.3%), timely food availability (18.3%), government sensitization (21.7%), breakfast programs (15%), and support for needy families (3.4%). The study showed a significant correlation between malnutrition and academic performance, emphasizing the need for balanced diets, timely meals, educational initiatives, and government support to improve the nutritional status of students in Nyarushanja Sub County. Keywords: Nutrition, Malnutrition, Academic Performance and Education
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