Nutritional Knowledge Of Mothers / Caregivers in Relation To The Anthropometric Indices Of Children(2–5 Years) In Obowu Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria

OBJECTIVE Information on the relationship between mothers/caregivers knowledge of Nutrition Education, attitude towards child care practices and the risk it poses on the child's development cannot be overestimated, although little information on this exist. This study describes some child care practices and also assessed the nutritional knowledge of mothers/caregivers of children (2–5yrs) in Obowu, Imo state, Nigeria, in relation to their anthropometric indices METHODS In a cross sectional study, 400 mothers/caregivers of children (2–5 years), were randomly selected from various communities in obowo Local Government Area of Imo state. A pre‐tested and validated questionnaire was used to obtain information on their Personal data, Educational background, Nutrition knowledge, Child care practices perception and the Children Anthropometric measurements. Body mass index (B.M.I) were classified using WHO standard for under five children. Data obtained were analyzed using freguencies, percentages, means, standard deviation and contrasted using chi‐square tests. RESULTS In this study of 400 children (2–5y), 7.8% of the children were overweight (8.6%male and 7.2% female), 1.3% were wasted (2.9% male), 6.4% were stunted (5.6% male and 7.0%female). A good number (77.5%) of mothers/caregivers reported having Nutrition education and child care practices guidelines. About 37% got nutrition information from hospitals, health centers and some others from media. 73.8% take their children to hospital when sick. There was a significant (p<0.05) relationship between anthropometric indices and mothers nutrition knowledge. About 50% considered childhood overweight and obesity as healthy growth and sign of affluence thus, did not consider the health risk involved. There was a significant relationship (p<0.05) between Educational background of mothers/caregivers and the nutritional status of the children. Hence there is need to reinforce nutrition education for adequate and healthy eating habit and optimal growth of children in the state and country in general. CONCLUSION This study revealed co‐existence of malnutrition and over‐nutrition and a significant relationship between knowledge of nutrition education and nutritional status. Hence there is need to reinforce nutrition education for adequate and healthy eating habit and optimal growth of children in the state and country at large. 2 Knowledge of Nutritional education and Health care of child: Socio economic characteristics of mothers/caregiversVariable Frequency(n) Percent (%)Knowledge of Nutritional EducationYes 310 77.5 No 90 22.5 Total 400 100.0Knowledge of nutrition statusYes 180 45.0 No 220 55.0 Total 400 100.0View of childhood obesityNormal growth 145 38.2 Richness 30 7.9 Happiness 15 3.9 Sickness 15 3.9 Overweight/Obesity 175 46.1 Total 380 100.0Source of Nutrition informationRadio 15 3.8 Hospital 150 37.5 Television 55 13.8 Internet 15 3.8 Textbooks 25 6.3 School 30 7.5 Church 5 1.3 Friends 10 2.53 Relationship between knowledge of nutritional education and nutritional statusKnowledge of Nutritional EducationVariables N yes % n No % x value p‐valueWeight‐for‐weightSevere overweight 10(3.3) 0(0.0) 10.098 0.018 Moderate overweight 20(6.6) 0(0.0)Healthy weight for height 270(88.5) 80(100)Severe wasting 5(1.6) 0(0.0)Total 350(100) 80(100)Height for ageSevere overweight 30(9.7) 5(5.9) 12.868 0.012 Moderate overweight 45(14.5) 15(17.6)Normal height 220(71.0) 55(64.7)Moderate stunting 10 (3.2) 10(11.8)Severe stunting 5(1.6) 0(0.0)Total 310(100.0) 85(100.0)Weight‐for‐ageSevere overweight 15(4.8) 0(0.0) 7.318 0.026 Moderate overweight 10(3.2) 0(0.0)Healthy weight 285(91.9) 85(100)Total 310(100) 85(100)N= Mothers with Nutrition Education n= Mothers without Nutrition Education