ABSTRACT
Background:Good nutrition is imperative for optimal mental and physical development, learning and school performance of children. Socio-cultural factors relating to feeding and health of the child are common. Malnutrition is a chronic public health problem among under-five children globally and is worse in developing countries.
Objective: This study assessed the socio-cultural factors associated with the nutrition of under-five children in Okerenkoko community in Warri South West, Delta State, Nigeria.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was carried out among 394 under-5 children in Okerenkoko Community in Niger-Delta area of Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was utilized for the study. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Socio-demographic details of children and their mothers including 24 hour dietary information were obtained. Anthropometric measurements and physical examination of the children were done. Ethical considerations were observed. Data analysis were done using IBM SPSS version 20.0 and WHO Anthro software.
Results: The response rate for the study was 92.4% as 364 respondents completed the study. The mean age of the mothers was 30.1±8.4 years and 173 (47.5%) of the mothers were married. A majority, 313 (86.0%) were in the low socio-economic status. The mean age of the children was 24.0±15.9 months and 185 (50.8%) were females. A majority of the respondents, 273 (87.8%) and 127(49.2%) had good knowledge of exclusive breast feeding and complementary feeding respectively. Few, 35(9.6%) of the children were exclusively breastfed, water was given to 320(87.9%) within 6 months of birth and 125(34.3%) were breastfed alongside complementary feeding. Various diets were given as complementary feeding and breastmilk was not mentioned as a best option of food for infants. Less than a tenth of the children, 12 (3.3%) and 27 (7.4%) were stunted and wasted respectively. No significant socio-cultural factors were associated with nutrition of under-5s in the community.
Conclusion: The knowledge of nutrition and the feeding practice of under-5s was fair. The prevalence of stunting and wasting among under-5 children was 3.3% and 7.4% respectively. Family structure was associated with nutritional status of the children. No significant socio-cultural factors were associated with the nutrition of under-5s in the study. Community nutrition education on the importance of exclusive and complementary breast feeding should be carried out in the community on regular bases. Government should be involved to help improve the socio-economic level of the people through the provision of social amenities, affordable health facilities and provision of employment opportunities.
