ABSTRACT

Background: Malnutrition has been a worldwide social, economic and educational concern for the developed, developing and underdeveloped countries. In the early 1990s, results of the first epidemiological study on malnutrition showed that malnutrition potentiated the effects of infectious diseases on child mortality and population level.

Aim: Assessment of mothers’ knowledge on the strategies used in the prevention on malnutrition in children (0-5) years at the Great Soppo community.

Methods: it was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted from January 20245 to April 2025 survey questionnaire to assess parent’s knowledge on the prevention of malnutrition in children (0-5) years at the Great Soppo community and was analyse using  Microsoft Excel version 2010.

Results: Regarding the definition of malnutrition, of the respondent, 60(33.9%) define malnutrition as a condition affecting the poor. In connection to the participant’s knowledge on the prevention of malnutrition in children, 80(46.3%) said they do not know how malnutrition can be prevented. Looking at the responses on the challenges faced in preventing malnutrition in children, 90(50.9%) mentioned that the challenge they face is lack of knowledge on weaning (Jayshree, 2016).

Conclusion: To conclude, in respect to objective one mothers do not have knowledge on the definition of malnutrition. In objective two mothers do not have knowledge on the prevention of malnutrition and in objective three mothers still face challenges in the prevention of malnutrition?

Recommendation: Seminars should be held in the community so as to teach mothers on the definitions and prevention of malnutrition

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study 

The programmatic activities of the United Nations (UN) agencies and international conferences were cantered on protein malnutrition. As noted, in the mid- 1990s, malnutrition was ‘suddenly discarded, amid some passionate debate and name calling’. Malnutrition refers to deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients or impaired nutrient utilization (WHO).

In the early 1990s, results of the first epidemiological study on malnutrition showed that malnutrition potentiated the effects of infectious diseases on child mortality and population level. The study confirmed that malnutrition has a multiplicative effect on mortality and taking into account the underlying causes of death, the results suggested that malnutrition was an associated cause in about one half of all children death in developing countries [1].

Majority of studies on child nutritional status have described prevalence of malnutrition among under five-year children and analyzed socio-economic, demographic and cultural factors associated with child malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa [2] classified malnutrition into two types namely protein-energy malnutrition resulting from deficiencies in any or all nutrients and micronutrient deficiency diseases result from a deficiency of specific. micronutrients. The NHS, [3] characterized by children with malnutrition as to have among many other signs, breathing difficulties, fatigue, tiredness, irritability. Once malnutrition is treated, adequate growth is an indication of health and recovery; even though after recovering from severe malnutrition, children often remain stunted for the rest of their lives [4].

In particular ,Studies have highlighted the important influence mothers have on their children’s food choices in relation to various factors, such as food intake, as mothers’ food choices are similar to those of their children in terms of the types of food consumed [5]. Parental influence has also been identified on children’s eating behaviors, as the attitudes of mothers regarding their own food choices as well as those of their children can determine their children’s behavior in relation to food [6]. Mothers’ nutritional status has also been associated with that of their children [7]. Similarly, mothers’ satisfaction with their bodies is reflected in their children’s satisfaction with their own bodies [8].

A study conducted on influence of socio-economic factors on nutritional status of children in a rural community of osun state, Nigeria revealed that the prevalence rates of underweight, wasting and stunting were 23.1%, 9 % and 26.7% respectively and also prevalence and determinants of malnutrition among Under-five Children of Farming Households in Kwara State, Nigeria results indicate that 23.6%, 22.0% and 14.2% of the sample children were stunted, underweight and wasted, respectively [9].

Malnutrition is responsible for 38% death amongst children in Cameroon and one out of three children is stunted. Several studies have been published between the child malnutrition and poverty but few studies till date have focused on the association between the nutrition status of children and practical factors, such as the time complimentary feeding is introduced to children. Severe malnutrition is highest in the arid far norths and north regions, but it’s highest in adamawa and east region. Chronic malnutrition afflicts seven out of Cameroon regions.[10].

This Study therefore seeks to assess parent’s knowledge on the strategies used in the prevention of malnutrition  in children (0-5) years at the Great Soppo Community.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Globally, Malnutrition remains one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among children under five children throughout the worldwide, over 10 million children under  the age of 5 years die every year from preventable and treatable illnesses despite effective health intervention [11]. In Africa Malnutrition has been identified as one of the major challenges facing Africa, especially the sub-Saharan region [12].

In Cameroon, child  malnutrition is one of the most serious public health problem and the highest in the world  [13] .Base on observation, the researcher noticed  that most mothers of the Great Soppo  Community after weaning  their children  they don’t know the right nutrient  to give their children  leading  the children  to malnutrition. This prompted the researcher to asses the mothers of Great soppo Community’s  knowledge  on the prevention of malnutrition in children (0-5)years

1.3 Research Questions

What knowledge do parents have on malnutrition in children (0-5years) at the Great Soppo community?

What knowledge do parents have on the strategies used in prevention of malnutrition in children (0-5years) at the Great Soppo community?

What challenges do parents face in the prevention  of malnutrition in children (0-5) years at the Great Soppo Community?

1.4 Research Objectives

1.4.1General Objective

To access Parent’s knowledge on the strategies used in the prevention of malnutrition in children (0-5) years within the Great Soppo Community.

1.4.2 Specific objectives

1. To assess parent’s knowledge on malnutrition in children 0-5 years at the Great Soppo community.
2. To determine parent’s knowledge on the strategies use in the preventive of malnutrition in children (0-5) years at the Great Soppo Community.
3. To identify the challenges faced by parents in the prevention of malnutrition in children (0-5) years at the Great Soppo community.

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