Assessment of Maternal Knowledge and Practices on Strategies for Reducing Malnutrition among Children (0–5 Years) in Umuahia North LGA, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition among children under five years of age remains a major public health challenge in developing countries, contributing significantly to childhood morbidity, mortality, impaired growth, and poor cognitive development. Despite various nutrition interventions, inadequate maternal knowledge, poor feeding practices, and limited access to nutritious foods continue to increase the burden of malnutrition among young children in many Nigerian communities. Objective: This study examined strategies for reducing malnutrition among children aged 0–5 years in Umuagu Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed the socio-economic characteristics of mothers, evaluated their knowledge of malnutrition, identified the perceived effects of malnutrition on child health, and determined effective strategies for reducing childhood malnutrition. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected from 384 mothers of children aged 0–5 years using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical methods, including frequencies and percentages, were employed to analyse the data and present the findings. Results: The findings revealed that the largest age group was 26–30 years; most respondents were married and had attained at least secondary school education. Regarding knowledge of malnutrition, 45.6% of respondents reported being only somewhat knowledgeable, while 50.8% correctly identified poor diet as the primary cause of malnutrition. The most commonly perceived effects of malnutrition were impaired cognitive development (55.5%) and delayed growth and physical development (40.4%). Respondents identified lack of knowledge about proper nutrition (64.3%), poor feeding practices (62.5%), and inadequate access to nutritious foods (58.3%) as the major contributors to childhood malnutrition within the community. Concerning intervention strategies, 50.0% of mothers considered nutrition education and counselling for mothers to be the most effective strategy for reducing malnutrition, while 32.8% recommended the provision of food supplements to vulnerable children. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that although mothers were generally aware of the adverse consequences of childhood malnutrition, considerable gaps remain in their understanding of its causes and prevention. A sustainable reduction in malnutrition among children aged 0–5 years requires strengthened community-based nutrition education, improved infant and young child feeding practices, enhanced household food security, and increased access to affordable, nutritious foods. Recommendations: The study recommends that government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and primary healthcare providers intensify community-based nutrition education programmes, strengthen maternal nutrition counselling services, improve access to food supplementation programmes, and implement policies that enhance household food security to reduce the burden of childhood malnutrition in Umuagu Ohuhu and similar communities.