Nutritional Knowledge Of Mothers / Caregivers in Relation To The Anthropometric Indices Of Children(2–5 Years) In Obowu Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Oly‐Alawuba Nkeiruka Mary‐Assumpta , Ihedioha Stella 
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE

Information on the relationship between mothers/caregivers knowledge of Nutrition Education, attitude towards child care practices and the risk it poses on the child's development cannot be overestimated, although little information on this exist. This study describes some child care practices and also assessed the nutritional knowledge of mothers/caregivers of children (2–5yrs) in Obowu, Imo state, Nigeria, in relation to their anthropometric indices

METHODS

In a cross sectional study, 400 mothers/caregivers of children (2–5 years), were randomly selected from various communities in obowo Local Government Area of Imo state. A pre‐tested and validated questionnaire was used to obtain information on their Personal data, Educational background, Nutrition knowledge, Child care practices perception and the Children Anthropometric measurements. Body mass index (B.M.I) were classified using WHO standard for under five children. Data obtained were analyzed using freguencies, percentages, means, standard deviation and contrasted using chi‐square tests.

RESULTS

In this study of 400 children (2–5y), 7.8% of the children were overweight (8.6%male and 7.2% female), 1.3% were wasted (2.9% male), 6.4% were stunted (5.6% male and 7.0%female). A good number (77.5%) of mothers/caregivers reported having Nutrition education and child care practices guidelines. About 37% got nutrition information from hospitals, health centers and some others from media. 73.8% take their children to hospital when sick. There was a significant (p<0.05) relationship between anthropometric indices and mothers nutrition knowledge. About 50% considered childhood overweight and obesity as healthy growth and sign of affluence thus, did not consider the health risk involved. There was a significant relationship (p<0.05) between Educational background of mothers/caregivers and the nutritional status of the children.

Hence there is need to reinforce nutrition education for adequate and healthy eating habit and optimal growth of children in the state and country in general.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed co‐existence of malnutrition and over‐nutrition and a significant relationship between knowledge of nutrition education and nutritional status. Hence there is need to reinforce nutrition education for adequate and healthy eating habit and optimal growth of children in the state and country at large.

Knowledge of Nutritional education and Health care of child: Socio economic characteristics of mothers/caregivers

Variable
Frequency(n)
Percent (%)

Knowledge of Nutritional Education

Yes
310
77.5

No
90
22.5

Total
400
100.0

Knowledge of nutrition status

Yes
180
45.0

No
220
55.0

Total
400
100.0

View of childhood obesity

Normal growth
145
38.2

Richness
30
7.9

Happiness
15
3.9

Sickness
15
3.9

Overweight/Obesity
175
46.1

Total
380
100.0

Source of Nutrition information

Radio
15
3.8

Hospital
150
37.5

Television
55
13.8

Internet
15
3.8

Textbooks
25
6.3

School
30
7.5

Church
5
1.3

Friends
10
2.5

Relationship between knowledge of nutritional education and nutritional status

Knowledge of Nutritional Education

Variables
N yes %
n No %
x value
p‐value

Weight‐for‐weight

Severe overweight
10(3.3)
0(0.0)
10.098
0.018

Moderate overweight
20(6.6)
0(0.0)

Healthy weight for height
270(88.5)
80(100)

Severe wasting
5(1.6)
0(0.0)

Total
350(100)
80(100)

Height for age

Severe overweight
30(9.7)
5(5.9)
12.868
0.012

Moderate overweight
45(14.5)
15(17.6)

Normal height
220(71.0)
55(64.7)

Moderate stunting
10 (3.2)
10(11.8)

Severe stunting
5(1.6)
0(0.0)

Total
310(100.0)
85(100.0)

Weight‐for‐age

Severe overweight
15(4.8)
0(0.0)
7.318
0.026

Moderate overweight
10(3.2)
0(0.0)

Healthy weight
285(91.9)
85(100)

Total
310(100)
85(100)

N= Mothers with Nutrition Education

n= Mothers without Nutrition Education