PREVALENCE, DETERMINANTS, CONSEQUENCES, AND INTERVENTIONS FOR ADDRESSING MALNUTRITION AMONG SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN- A REVIEW OF RECENT EVIDENCE

Abstract

A significant global public health concern is malnutrition, which particularly affects school-age children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Between 2022 and 2025, the ongoing prevalence of stunting, thinness, wasting, overweight, and micronutrient deficiencies among children aged 5–15 years. The Evidence indicates multifactorial determinants of malnutrition, which include socioeconomic disparities, food insecurity, inadequate dietary diversity, infectious diseases, and environmental factors that continue to influence nutritional outcomes. Multiple studies reported a significant association between malnutrition and impaired cognitive development, reduced academic performance, a weak immune system, and long-term risks of chronic illness. School-based interventions such as feeding, micronutrient supplementation, community-based programs, and nutrition education have shown significant benefits but remain unevenly implemented. This review synthesizes findings from 20 studies published between 2022 and 2025, and highlighting key determinants, prevalence patterns, and recommended multisectorial strategies to improve children’s health and nutritional status.