What some Eastern Highlands mothers believe about malnutrition

The beliefs of a sample of 41 mothers, from the Benabena region of the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, about malnutrition were studied. Information was obtained, by using an open-ended questionnaire, about recognition of malnutrition and beliefs associated with aetiology, sequelae, prevention and treatment. All mothers recognised a malnourished child as being sick and more than 80% believed a general or specific lack of food to be a cause of malnutrition and that giving food was an important aspect of prevention. Diarrhoea, fever and vomiting were the most commonly named associated symptoms. The only significant difference between mothers who attended maternal and child health clinics regularly and those who did not occurred when they were asked what they would do for a malnourished child. A significantly higher proportion of regular clinic attenders replied that they would give food. The possible implications of the results for nutrition education are discussed.