ABSTRACT

Background: Malnutrition is a condition that develops when the body does not get the required foods nutrients in their rights proportions. Malnutrition is also as a result of underfeeding or overfeeding. Increase nutritional needs such as vitamins, minerals, protein supplements in children can help reduce further complication. This study focused on the aim of this research was to assess parental knowledge and management of malnutrition among children aged 0-5years In Buea Town Community, South West Region of Cameroon. Methods: This study involves a sample population of 100 parents who were recruited through a convenient sampling technique and data was collected through the administration of questionnaire to respondents (parent) which was designed with respect to the objectives of the study which were in three  sections based on their on the causes and effects of malnutrition in children 0-5 years. Results: Most of the parent were of aged 20- 30years, the result obtained shows that a majority of parents had knowledge on malnutrition. Majority of 93% (that is 93) parent in number said child’s malnutrition can be managed. Conclusion: It was concluded that most parents with one, two or more children had more knowledge and can manage malnutrition in children. Through health talk emphasize should be laid on the knowledge and management of malnutrition in children during ANC and IWC especially to parents with low level of educational background.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of study

Malnutrition is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide especially in children who are still undergoing growth and development. The first two years of life are considered to be the window of opportunity where we can improve the wellbeing of a child (WHO 2010). Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalance in a person’s intake of energy or nutrients (WHO 2020). This nutrients involve can include calories, protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins or minerals. A lack of nutrients is called under nutrition and a surplus is called over nutrition (young EM2021). Nearly half of all the deaths in children under 5 years are attributable to under nutrition; under nutrition puts children at greater risk of dying from common infection, increases the frequency and severity of such infections, and delays recovery. The interaction between under nutrition and infection can create a potentially lethal cycle of worsening illness and deteriorating nutritional status. Poor nutrition in the first 1000 days of the child’s life can also lead to stunted growth, which is associated with impaired cognitive ability and reduced school and work performance (UNICEF 2015).The term malnutrition addresses 3 broad groups of conditions which are under nutrition, which includes wasting (low weight-for-height),Stunting (low-height-for-age) and underweight (low-weight-for-age). Micronutrients related malnutrition, which includes micronutrients deficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals) or micronutrients excesses, Overweight, obesity and diet-related non communicable diseases (Such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers) (WHO2020).   According to UNICEF, WHO, World Bank, out of the 161 million under-fives estimated to be stunted globally in 2013, over a third resided in Africa. In addition, about one third of the 51 million under-fives who were wasted and the 99 million who were underweight were also from Africa Geneva: WHO (2013).  Malnutrition will prevent children from reaching their full physical and mental potentials (Ngianga et al  2011) which can have long lasting impact on health (walker 2010).According to the World Bank (2012) the major cause of nutritional problems are poor maternal and child care practice, lack of awareness and education, family food insecurity, poor intra family food distribution, poor access to good quality health and sanitation services. If under nutrition occurs during pregnancy or before two years of age it may result in permanent problems with physical and mental development (UNICEF, 2010). In children, low birth weight, feeding problems, diarrhea, recurrent illness, measles, pertussis, and chronic disease among others increase the risk of malnutrition Around 45% of deaths among children under the age of 5years are linked to under nutrition. These mostly occur in low and middle income countries at the same time, in these same countries rates of children overweight and obsess are rising (WHO, 2020).Malnutrition can occur in children of all ages, but young children are most vulnerable. 

1.2 Problem Statement

In 2016 an estimated 155million children under the age of 5 years were suffering from stunting, while 41 million were overweight or obese (WHO, 2013). Around 45% of deaths among children under the 5 years of age are linked to under nutrition. These mostly occur in low and middle income countries. At the same time in these countries, rates of childhood overweight and obesity are rising

(WHO, 2020). Malnutrition continues to be a major public health problem in developing countries. It is the most important risk factor causing about 300,000 deaths per year directly or indirectly responsible for more than half of the deaths in children. (Müller et al., 2005). Under nutrition covers a range of disorders including impaired growth and micronutrient deficiencies. Of these disorders, acute malnutrition, or wasting, is an attributable cause of 12.6% of the 6.9 million deaths among children under 5 years old, accounting for more than 800,000 deaths annually Black et al ., (2013). Marasmus is the most common form of acute malnutrition in nutritional crises and, in its severe form, can lead to death if untreated (WFP et al., 2007). Health and physical consequences of prolong state of malnourishment among children are; delay in their physical growth and motor development, low intellectual quotient, greater behavioral problems and deficient social skills, susceptible to contracting disease (Black et al.,2003). With all this surrounding findings this research aims to assess parent’s knowledge and management of malnutrition among children 0-

5years in the Buea Town Community.

1.3 Research Question

• Do parents have adequate knowledge on malnutrition in the Buea Town Community?
• What strategies do parents use to manage malnutrition in the Buea Town Community?

1.4 Research Objectives

1.4.1 General Objective

To assess parent’s knowledge and management of malnutrition among children 0-5years in the

Buea town Community 

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

• To assess parent’s knowledge on malnutrition among children aged 0 to 5years in the Buea Town Community
• To determine strategies in which parents use to manage malnutrition among children 0 to

5years in the Buea Town Community