Nexus of Socio-economic Background of Parents and Malnutrition of Children in Kanam Communities of Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the socio-economic background and knowledge of parents as well as the malnutrition status of children aged 6-59 Months in Kanam Communities, Plateau State. A total population of 697 parents was sampled based on their attendance at the various meetings held in the communities, with the researchers as respondents to research questions 1 and 3. For research question 2, Body Mass Index (BMI) of 511 children whose parents consented were screened. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires from the participants. Data entry and statistical analysis were carried out using SPSS Software Version 26 and Microsoft Excel. Descriptive Statistics like frequency and percentage were employed to provide answers to the research questions raised in the study. The major findings show that the socio-economic background of the parents was poor in terms of educational level, yearly income, settlement residence, and family size. Another interesting finding shows that mothers were more involved at the interaction level with children than fathers. It was also established that there was a high rate of malnutrition among children in the communities. Recommendations made include the need for stakeholders to improve the preparation of nutritious food. Federal, State, and Local Governments and other stakeholders should take bold steps to reduce poverty and hardship among parents, especially those in rural communities with poor socio-economic backgrounds, through poverty alleviation programmes. Finally, parents need to be properly educated on childcare practices that can improve their daily lives and reduce the challenges involved when a child is malnourished.