Knowledge Regarding Predisposing Factors, Possible Causes and Outcomes of Malnutrition Among Mothers of Under Five Children in Sullia Taluk, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka

Background: Good nutrition is the most important component which determines the growth and development of a child under-five years of age. Cultural taboos regarding breast feeding, weaning practices, and pregnancy diets may lead to various patterns of dietary behaviour. Malnutrition is a result of imbalance between the requirements of the human body and the nutrient intake. Objective: To assess the knowledge among mothers of under-five children regarding predisposing factors, possible causes and outcomes of malnutrition. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 200 mothers of children under 5 years of age attending Anganwadis of Sullia taluk, Karnataka. A structured interview schedule was used to collect the data. The level of knowledge was determined by a predefined score. Results: 94% of mothers have received some formal education and 6% have not received any formal education. 75% of the mothers belonged to the middle class as per B.G Prasad classification. About 81.5% mothers are homemakers and 18.5% constitute working mothers. Overall, the mothers had poor knowledge regarding possible outcomes of malnutrition in the following domains-overweight, mouth sores, delayed eruption of tooth and mental retardation. However, knowledge regarding predisposing factors and possible causes of malnutrition was high in following domains- lack of appetite in child, lack of availability of right type of food, lack of mother care, presence of chronic illness, cultural and food taboos, inappropriate breastfeeding. Conclusion: The present study reiterates the involvement of mothers in intervention programs held at Anganwadis to get awareness and hence prevent malnutrition in children. Key words: Anganwadis, cultural taboos, malnutrition, Mothers perception, under five children