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Psychosocial determinants of nutritional neglect in a developing country

Aisha Mehnaz1, Nusrat Shah2, Ashfaq Mala1

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) and Civil Hospital, Karachi.

Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP
|May 23, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Psycho-social and economic factors significantly contribute to childhood nutritional neglect. Addressing these determinants requires a comprehensive, multi-level intervention strategy for affected children and families.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Child Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Nutritional neglect poses a significant threat to child development.
  • Understanding its determinants is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify demographic, psycho-social, and economic factors contributing to nutritional neglect.
  • To inform the development of targeted interventional strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional, observational study conducted from January 2009 to December 2010.
  • Involved 658 children below the third centile for weight and height, and their mothers.
  • Data collected via interviews covering demographic, social, economic, and psychological aspects.

Main Results:

  • Key determinants included large family size (84%), young mothers (60%), parental illiteracy (67-77%), low income (77%), and substance use (23-51%).
  • Mothers exhibited high rates of depression (70%), anxiety (73%), and helplessness (70%).
  • Children displayed behavioral issues like aggression (80%) and lack of confidence (70%).

Conclusions:

  • Psycho-social and economic factors are critical drivers of nutritional neglect.
  • A holistic, multi-level approach is essential for effective intervention and prevention.
Abstract

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