1.1 Introduction
Malnutrition is a significant public health problem and it is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children below 5 years of age. The proportion of this disease is much higher in sub-Saharan countries than in other geographical regions globally. As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Malnutrition can be caused by deficiencies, excesses, imbalances in an individual’s consumption of nutrients (WHO, 2017). Malnutrition can be under nutrition or over nutrition (Sufiyan et al., 2012), but in this review, malnutrition solely refers to the deficiency of nutrition. One of the major health problem faced by children in developing countries today is under nutrition (Goon et al., 2011; Ubesie et al., 2012 and Mengistu et al., 2013). Under nutrition leads to diseases and death in children, especially in the low and middle income countries (WHO, 2018).
According to (WHO, 2018 and Hamel et al., 2015) different forms of under nutrition exists, these includes; Stunting; which is a sign of chronic deprivation of nutrients in a child-this is low height for age, below 2 standard deviation of the WHO reference of the median of the standard curve. Wasting-low weight for height, below 2 standard deviation of the WHO median of the standard curve, this is usually as a result of acute or sudden food deprivation or mal-absorption.
Malnutrition causes Nigeria billions in lost revenue through reduced economic productivity, days away from work due to illness and money spent on treating ailments (World Bank, 2014). The negative impacts of malnutrition are seen in families and communities in various aspects such as economically, socially and medically (WHO, 2018). For the analysis and criticism of the etiological and contributing factors of the disease, a relevant frame-work and theories will be identified and applied. Justification for why this particular public health problem was chosen will be explained, in addition to the moral considerations that have influenced this choice.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to Review of the Burden of Malnutrition on Under 5 Children.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that mal-nutrition leads to diseases and death in children, especially in the low and middle income countries (WHO, 2018). Malnutrition causes Nigeria billions in lost revenue through reduced economic productivity, days away from work due to illness and money spent on treating ailments (World Bank, 2014). The negative impacts of malnutrition are seen in families and communities in various aspects such as economically, socially and medically (WHO, 2018).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to Review of the Burden of Malnutrition on Under 5 Children in Nigeria. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To demonstrate the ethical complexities prevalent in child malnutrition in Nigeria.
- To investigate the reduction process of the prevalence of malnutrition on Under 5 Children in Nigeria
- To identify the factors that contributed to malnutrition, critically analyze them and provide logical recommendations.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Are there factors militating malnutrition?
- What is the prevalence of malnutrition on Under 5 Children in Nigeria?
- What are the ethical complexities prevalent in child malnutrition in Nigeria?
1.6 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study focuses on the Review of the Burden of Malnutrition on Under 5 Children in Nigeria.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
