PERCEPTION OF MOTHERS OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN ON MALNUTRITION IN YABA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF LAGOS STATE

Abstract

This study examined the perception of mothers of primary school children on malnutrition in Yaba Local Government Area of Lagos State. A community based descriptive cross-sectional study was employed through quantitative techniques. The study investigated the causes and implications of malnutrition, as well as the consequences of specific micronutrients on the health status of primary school children. A proportionate sampling technique was used to select 100 mothers of primary school children (6-12yrs). Data collected using a validated structured questionnaire, were described using mean and standard deviation while the hypotheses were analyzed using ANOVA and Chi-square. Results revealed that poor maternal/nutritional knowledge, poverty, food insecurity and poor living condition among others were the causes of malnutrition among primary school children. The implications of malnutrition among primary
school children include poor social skills, delayed physical growth and poor motor development, low intelligent quotient and poor immune system. The study also showed that the consequences of specific micronutrient deficiencies such as retinol, cyanocobalamin and ascorbic acid can cause detrimental effects on the nutritional and health status of primary school children and consequently, impact economic productivity. The ANOVA test showed a statistically significant difference in the means of mothers’ demographic characteristics on their perception of malnutrition among children (P< 0.05). Also, the Chi-square test showed a statistically
significant association between mothers’ demographic characteristics and their perception of malnutrition among young children (P< 0.05). The study recommends that primary school children should be assisted to making healthy food choices both in school and at home.