Exploring the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on nutritional status and its association with food insecurity, feeding practices, sociocultural and behavioural factors among vulnerable infant and young children (IYC) living at urban poor areas in Kota Kinabalu and Tuaran, Sabah

Sidek Ahmad, Zulkhairul Naim and Tangit, Trixie Marjorie and Lin, Pauline Yong Pau and Zakaria, Zulayti and Syed Faihisal, Sharifah Nur Jasmeen and Ying, Gloria Lee Pei and Che Hasan, Muhammad Kamil (2026) Exploring the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on nutritional status and its association with food insecurity, feeding practices, sociocultural and behavioural factors among vulnerable infant and young children (IYC) living at urban poor areas in Kota Kinabalu and Tuaran, Sabah. Kulliyyah of Nursing, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang. ISBN 9786299566236

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Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many aspects of life, including health. In conjunction to that, this has also exacerbated malnutrition among children in many countries. This study aims to explore the COVID-19 pandemic impact on nutritional status among vulnerable infant and young children (IYC) as the first 1,000 days of life is crucial for long term health throughout adolescence and adulthood, especially in the urban poor areas of Kota Kinabalu and Tuaran, Sabah where health accessibility tend to be poor. This study also aims to identify its association with food insecurity, feeding practices, sociocultural and behavioural factors among vulnerable infant and young children (IYC) living at urban poor areas in Kota Kinabalu and Tuaran, Sabah. Methodology: The study design of this research was a convergent parallel mixed-methods design combining cross-sectional survey with in-depth interviews to explore the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on nutritional status and its association factor among vulnerable IYC and a focused group discussion to understand breastfeeding issues among mothers. Anthropometric measurement was conducted among 201 IYC to determine their nutritional status such as underweight, stunting, wasting and overweight, which is then followed by questionnaire to identify their sociodemographic and cultural data, food insecurity using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale questionnaire, breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices and food frequency or dietary questionnaire. Selected mother and IYC pairs participated for the in depth interviews and focused group discussion. Data was analysed using simple logistic regression to determine the association and risk. Results: A total of 201 IYC participated in the study. The prevalence of underweight, stunting, wasting and overweight were 14.4% (29 children), 22.4% (45 children), 15.4% (31 children) and 7.0% (14 children) respectively. About 74.63% (150 households) were food insecure. The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusively breastfed, continued breastfeeding was 86.9%, 37.2% and 39.4% respectively. Whereas the prevalence for minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF) and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) were 15.9%, 90.0% and 14.9% respectively. Underweight was significantly associated with birthweight (OR=0.277, 95% CI = 0.111 - 0.691); while stunting was significantly associated with age (OR=1.089, 95% CI=1.020-1.162), place of birth (OR 0.266, 95% CI=0.104-0.675), birthweight (OR=0.376, 95% CI=0.178-0.798), and food security (OR=0.299, 95% CI=0.111-0.806); overweight was significantly associated with non-structured living conditions (OR=0.152, 95% CI= 0.041-0.565) and minimum meal frequency (OR=4.275, 95% CI= 1.203-15.188). In depth interviews explored on financial burdens among this community resulting in food insecurity resulting in limited food choices to ensure “fullness” rather than quantity. Mothers of IYC found ways to ensure their children are well-fed using sweetened condense milk or creamer when infant formulas are not afforded in time. Similarly, their source of carbohydrates were mainly watery porridge and cassava which was main source of bleeding among these children. Conclusion: Food insecurity and poor dietary habits are prevalent among IYC of the urban poor community as a result of financial inadequacies. Thus, this population are at risk of developing malnutrition, particularly the IYC under the age of 2 years old where they are at their most vulnerable phase. Attention should be given this community to allow proper growth and development of the IYC to ensure their brighter future.

Item Type:	Book
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA644.C67 Coronavirus infections. COVID-19 (Disease). COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020 R Medicine > RT Nursing R Medicine > RT Nursing > RT89 Specialities in nursing > RT120.A-Z Other special types of nursing, A-Z
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Nursing Kulliyyah of Nursing > Department of Medical Surgical Nursing
Depositing User:	Dr Muhammad Kamil Che Hasan
Date Deposited:	31 Mar 2026 13:50
Last Modified:	31 Mar 2026 13:50
Queue Number:	2026-03-Q2683
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/127806

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