Abstract

The research investigated the impact of malnutrition on academic performance in secondary
schools within Nyarushanja Sub County, Rukungiri District. Five schools Bwanga, Rubirizi,
St. Peters, Bwanga High, and Nyarushanje High were involved. A total of 1,153 respondents,
including head teachers, deputy head teachers, students, and parents, were considered.
Sampling involved various methods: purposive, simple random, and stratified random
sampling. Primary data came from questionnaires, interviews, and observations, while
secondary data included existing literature from sources like magazines and textbooks.
Demographic characteristics were assessed: 54% male, 46% female respondents; 36.7% single,
56.6% married, and 6.7% divorced respondents; and age distributions with a majority falling
within the 21-30 age bracket. Regarding malnutrition's effects on academic performance,
findings included causes such as poor balanced diet (30%), famine (18.3%), and digestive
illnesses (16.7%)—and relationships, like cognitive functioning (33.3%) and the impact of iron
and zinc on brain function. Proposed solutions to address poor nutrition encompassed
providing balanced diet foods (33.3%), timely food availability (18.3%), government
sensitization (21.7%), breakfast programs (15%), and support for needy families (3.4%). The
study showed a significant correlation between malnutrition and academic performance,
emphasizing the need for balanced diets, timely meals, educational initiatives, and
government support to improve the nutritional status of students in Nyarushanja Sub
County.
Keywords: Nutrition, Malnutrition, Academic Performance and Education