Perceived Causes and Effects of Malnutrition Among Children 0-5years by Women of Child Bearing Age.
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To determine the influence of family structure on the nutritional status of children.
- To determine the influence of the socio-economic status of the family on nutritional status of children.
- To determine the influence of maternal education on the nutritional status of children.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Concept of Malnutrition
Malnutrition is the condition that results from taking an unbalanced diet in which certain nutrients are lacking, in excess (too high an intake), or in the wrong proportions (Sullivan et al, 2010). A number of different nutrition disorders may arise, depending on which nutrients are under or overabundant in the diet. Malnutrition is a medical condition caused by an improper or insufficient diet (Katsilambros, 2011). Malnutrition is technically a category of diseases that include: under nutrition, obesity and overweight, and micronutrient deficiency among others (WHO, 2012). However it is frequently used to mean just under nutrition from either 19 inadequate calories or inadequate specific dietary components for whatever reason (Katsilambros, 2011). People who are malnourished may not consume adequate calories and protein for growth and maintenance, (under nutrition or protein-energy malnutrition), consume too many calories (over nutrition)or have abnormal nutrient loss (due to diarrhoea or chronic illness) or increased energy expenditure (secondary malnutrition)Under nutrition encompasses stunting, wasting, and deficiencies of essential vitamins and minerals collectively referred to as micronutrients(WHO, 2012). The term “severe malnutrition” is often used to refer specifically to protein-energy malnutrition. Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is often associated with micronutrient deficiency (Duggan, John & Watkins, 2008). Two forms of proteinenergy malnutrition are kwashiorkor and marasmus, and they commonly coexist (Katsilambros, 2011). Kwashiorkor (‘displaced child’) is mainly caused by inadequate protein intake resulting in a low concentration of amino acids. The main symptoms are oedema, wasting, liver enlargement, hypoalbuminaemia, steatosis, and possibly depigmentation of skin and hair (Katsilambros, 2011). Kwashiorkor is identified by swelling of the extremities and belly, which is deceiving of actual nutritional status (Chowdhury et al, 2009). Marasmus (‘to waste away’) is caused by an inadequate intake of both protein and energy. The main symptoms are severe wasting, leaving little or no oedema, minimal subcutaneous fat, severe muscle wasting, and non-normal serum albumin levels (Katsilambros, 2011). Marasmus can result from a sustained diet of inadequate energy and protein, and the metabolism adapts to prolong survival. It is traditionally seen in famine, food restriction, or anorexia (Katsilambros, 2011). Conditions are characterized by extreme wasting of the muscles and a gaunt expression (Chowdhury et al, 2009).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Perceived causes and effects of malnutrition among children 0-5years by women of child bearing age. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of Perceived causes and effects of malnutrition among children 0-5years by women of child bearing age
Summary
This study was on Perceived causes and effects of malnutrition among children 0-5years by women of child bearing age. Three objectives were raised which included; To determine the influence of family structure on the nutritional status of children, to determine the influence of the socio-economic status of the family on nutritional status of children and to determine the influence of maternal education on the nutritional status of children. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from residents in Enugu. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
Based on these findings, interventions should be focused on child health promotion and prevention, improvement of household wealth index and food security, including mother’s awareness regarding health nutritional care of children 0 to 5 years. New policies in nutritional intervention, particularly for mother with low BMI and children who have smaller size at birth, current diseases such as diarrhea, fever and ARI, should be implemented by the government to improve health and nutritional status of children 0 to 5 years in Enugu state
Recommendation
Health care personnel should educate mothers on factors that lead to poor nutritional status. Improvement on nutritional status of children can be achieved through increasing client’s knowledge especially in the rural areas to discourage those detrimental practices that lead to malnutrition.
- The importance of exclusive breast feeding and the use of locally available, highly nutritious food resources as weaning diet should be taught during antenatal period and community outreach programmes.
- Women empowerment should be encouraged as it promises improved family finances, better food security and better childhood nutrition.
- Government should be involved to help improve the socio-economic level of the people through the provision of employment opportunities, provision of adequate water supply, affordable health facilities and other social amenities
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