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THE PERCEPTION OF PARENTS TOWARDS MALNUTRITION

ABSTRACT

The study aimed at examining the perception of parents towards malnutrition using parents attending Gongi clinic Maiduguri local government Area of Borno State as case study. three significant research objectives were formulated to guild the study. The study adopted the survey research design. In determining the population of the study, the researcher selected parents attending Gongi clinic in Maiduguri local government Area of Borno State. The convenient sampling method was adopted in determining the sample size. Hence, the researcher conveniently selected 75 parents who attended Gongi clinic as sample size. A total of 75 questionnaires were administered to the respondents, while only 50 were validated. Data gather was analyzed using simple percentages and mean scores. The result of the findings shows that the causes of malnutrition in growing children is surrounded by lack of health food, inappropriate dietary choices, parental low income, and food insecurity. The study further revealed that malnutrition affects the growth and development of children in various ways which include; growth failure and stunting, delayed sexual development, reduced muscle mass and strength, impaired intellectual development, and reduced immune system ability to fight infection. Based on the findings, it was recommended that educators, both formal and non-formal, are required to assist people, particularly women in achieving and ensuring good nutrition.  Tackling malnutrition often require the contribution of professionals in economics, social  development, politics, government, the labour movement and many other spheres.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Malnutrition is a term which refers to both under nutrition (sub nutrition) and over nutrition (obesity). It can also be defined as the insufficient, excessive or imbalance consumption of nutrients. Nutrition plays a critical role in the ability of a growing child to develop well to adulthood as malnutrition causes stunted growth, muscle wasting, deficiency of various vitamins especially vitamin A and Zinc mineral. The Oxford advanced learners dictionary (2010) defines malnutrition as a poor health condition resulting from either lack of food or the right type of food. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2010) defines malnutrition as deficit in the necessary amount of micro-elements needed for the normal metabolism and functioning of the body such as potassium, manganese, iron and magnesium. It is worthy of note that there is an increased nutrient requirement during early growth and development in utero and in extra uterine life.  According to the National Health Service (NHS) United Kingdom. It is estimated that about three million people are affected by malnutrition and one in every three persons admitted to hospital or care homes in the United Kingdom are found to be malnourished or at risk of malnourishment. Black et al (2013) estimate that under nutrition is the cause of three million child deaths annually. In Africa, it is estimated that an increase from 31% in the year 1990 to 43% in the year 2005 of deaths occur due to malnutrition, as a result 10.6 million deaths of under-five children every year (World Health Organization, 2015). In Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health estimates that 41% of Nigerian children under age five years are malnourished, this accounts to 1.1 million deaths (Punch News, 2015).

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