Maternal perceptions of factors contributing to severe under-nutrition among children in a rural African setting
A Abubakar1, P Holding, M Mwangome
1KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kilifi, Kenya.
Insights
Mothers in rural Kenya identified financial constraints as the primary driver of severe childhood malnutrition. Addressing poverty, health, and workload is crucial for effective interventions against child undernutrition.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Sociology
Background:
- Severe undernutrition in early childhood poses significant mortality and morbidity risks in developing nations.
- It accounts for a substantial percentage of hospital admissions among children in these regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand maternal perceptions of factors contributing to severe childhood undernutrition in rural Kenya.
- To inform the development of targeted, acceptable, and appropriate interventions.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 10 focus group discussions (FGDs) with mothers in a rural Kenyan coastal community.
- Employed a grounded theory approach for data analysis of FGD transcripts.
Main Results:
- Financial constraints were universally cited as the leading cause of severe child malnutrition.
- Other reported factors included insufficient food intake, illness, inadequate childcare, maternal workload, limited female control over resources, and lack of income-generating opportunities.
- Mothers also attributed malnutrition to cultural beliefs, including witchcraft and taboo violations.
Conclusions:
- Maternal perspectives reveal multifaceted causes of severe childhood undernutrition.
- A multidisciplinary approach integrating poverty alleviation, health education, and psychosocial support is recommended.
- Intervention strategies must be flexible and responsive to local needs, beliefs, and individual circumstances.
Introduction:
In developing countries, severe undernutrition in early childhood is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, and 10-40% of hospital admissions. The current study aimed to elicit maternal perceptions of factors that contribute to severe undernutrition among children in a rural Kenyan community in order to identify appropriate and acceptable targeted interventions.
Methods:
The study consisted of 10 focus group discussions (FGDs) of between eight and ten mothers each, in a rural coastal community in Kenya. A grounded theory approach was used to analyse the FGD data.
Results:
In all FGDs 'financial constraints' was the main reason given for severe undernutrition of children. The mothers reported the additional factors of inadequate food intake, ill health, inadequate care of children, heavy workload for mothers, inadequate control of family resources by women and a lack of resources for generating income for the family. The mothers also reported their local cultural belief that severe malnutrition was due to witchcraft and the violation of sexual taboos.
Conclusions:
The mothers in the study community recognised multiple aetiologies for severe undernutrition. A multidisciplinary approach is needed address the range of issues raised and so combat severe undernutrition. Suggested interventions include poverty alleviation, medical education and psychosocial strategies. The content and approach of any program must address the need for variability, determined by individual and local needs, concerns, attitudes and beliefs.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
01:10Nature and Nurture