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 and2025,the ongoing prevalence of stunting, thinness, wasting, overweight, and micronutrient deficiencies among children aged 5–15 years. The Evidence indicates multifactorial determinantsof malnutrition, which includesocioeconomic disparities, food insecurity, inadequate dietary diversity, infectious diseases, and environmental factorsthat continue to influence nutritional outcomes. Multiple studies reported a significant associationbetween malnutrition and impaired cognitive development, reduced academic performance,aweak 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 remainunevenly implemented. This review synthesizes findings from 20 studies published between 2022 and 2025,and highlighting key determinants, prevalence patterns, and recommended multisectorialstrategies to improve children’s health and nutritional status.