Risk Factors of Acute Malnutrition among Children Under Five Years of Age

Abstract

Childhood malnutrition remains a significant global public health concern, and despite numerous advances and improvements in child health care; acute malnutrition among children still one of the main public health challenges in the 21st century, particularly in developing countries and is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Children are the most vulnerable group to the effects of acute malnutrition during the period of their most rapid physical growth and development, because of the extra nutritional requirements for growth and development at this time. Acute malnutrition results from the complex interplay of a range of distal and proximal factors. This review article gives a comprehensive background on the causes of acute malnutrition among children under five years of age.