BU Research Blog

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A comparative study on nutritional problems in pre-school aged children of Kaski, Nepal – Jib Acharya

Background
Nepal remains one of the poorest countries in the world and malnutrition is a one of most pressing serious health problems especially among rural children. Malnutrition during childhood can also affect future growth and an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in later years of life. About half of all child deaths are associated with malnutrition, of which three quarters are linked to mild and moderate forms. Since Nepal has geographical variation, socio-economic inequalities and cultural beliefs which significantly affect food practices in different areas of the country. In order to overcome this situation pragmatic approaches are required.

Methods
A cross sectional study using mixed methods, was conducted among preschool children, aged 3-5 years old, from urban and rural areas of the Kaski district of Nepal. There were interviews with semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions on various aspects of knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, food recommendations and its barriers.  This seminar reports on 524 mothers from rural and urban areas who completed a questionnaire.

Results
A total of 61.6% mothers from urban and 38.4% from rural area, participated in the questionnaire study. The study shows nearly 37% children are not provided with nutritious food (meat, fish & eggs) regularly. Similarly, nearly 5% of families cannot afford meat, 7.1% juice and 7% fruit. Nearly 17% of mothers cannot choose nutritious food from grocery stores. Likewise, 4.3% of children like fish, meat & eggs, 33.2% noodles, 35.1% biscuits & chocolates and 22.9% rice, pulses & vegetables.

Conclusion
The knowledge and attitudes towards nutritious food of rural and urban mothers are still poor in both societies. However, a belief about food practice is still strongly embedded in rural mothers compared to those in urban areas. Urban mothers are significantly better in food recommendation compared to rural mothers who face huge barriers.

Biography
Jib is at the transfer stage of his PhD

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