TY - JOUR

T1 - Maternal perceptions of factors contributing to severe under-nutrition among children in a rural African setting

AU - Abubakar, Amina

AU - Holding, P.

AU - Mwangome, M.

AU - Maitland, K.

PY - 2011/1

Y1 - 2011/1

N2 - 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.

AB - 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.

KW - Adult

KW - Child

KW - Child Nutrition Disorders

KW - Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena

KW - Child Welfare

KW - Female

KW - Focus Groups

KW - Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

KW - Humans

KW - Kenya

KW - Maternal Behavior

KW - Middle Aged

KW - Mothers

KW - Nutritional Status

KW - Poverty

KW - Social Environment

KW - Urban Population

KW - Young Adult

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 21323398

VL - 11

JO - Rural and Remote Health

JF - Rural and Remote Health

SN - 1445-6354

IS - 1

M1 - 1423

ER -