Understanding the relationship between WASH and malnutrition: Analysis of anthropometric data of children attending WASH-supported schools in Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: There has been a growing interest in better understanding the association between water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and malnutrition.

Aim: We analysed anthropometric data of children attending WASH intervention schools and those from non-intervention schools in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Methods: A total of 353 children across six schools (three interventions and three non-interventions) participated in this study. WASH conditions were assessed using WHO standardized tools and anthropometric data of children were analysed in WHO AnthroPlus and R Software.

Results: The prevalence of stunting was 26.2% in the intervention group, and 29.4% in the control group (p = 0.045). Underweight was lower in the intervention group (3.9% vs. 10.1%) (p = 0.45). However, wasting was higher in the intervention group (32.3% vs. 8.2%) (p = 0.001). Of the variables included in our multivariate model (age, gender, and school category, i.e. intervention/control and class grade), only age was selected, and negatively associated with underweight, stunting and wasting (p = 0.000).

Conclusion: Regardless of WASH programming status, nutritional outcomes were significantly influenced by age of the children. Children are more likely to have lower z-scores as they grow older.