1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
In Nigeria, the introduction of the measles vaccine in the 1980s significantly reduced the incidence of measles among children. However, outbreaks still occurred, particularly in underprivileged areas where malnutrition was prevalent (National Primary Health Care Development Agency [NPHCDA], 2020). Researchers began to explore the interplay between nutritional status and the prevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles. Studies indicated that children with poor nutrition were more likely to experience severe measles infections and complications due to weakened immune systems (Afolabi et al., 2016).
Weaning refers to the process of gradually introducing solid foods to an infant's diet while reducing breast milk intake (Dewey & Brown, 2003). The assessment of weaning factors in the prevalence of measles among secondary school students is an important area of public health research, particularly in regions where vaccination coverage is variable and nutritional practices differ significantly. Measles remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021).
Several studies have demonstrated that inadequate weaning practices can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which in turn may compromise the immune system's ability to respond effectively to infections, including measles (Agu et al., 2020). The timing of weaning, the quality of weaned foods, and parental knowledge about nutritional needs significantly influence children's health and susceptibility to infectious diseases (Michaelsen et al., 2021).
Weaning, the process of transitioning an infant from breast milk to solid foods, is a critical period that can significantly affect a child's growth and immune system development. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2021) emphasizes the importance of appropriate weaning practices, noting that inadequate nutrition during this phase can lead to deficiencies that compromise a child's immune response.
In Nigeria, the prevalence of measles remains a public health concern despite the availability of an effective vaccine. The country has faced numerous outbreaks in recent years, particularly among children under five years of age (National Primary Health Care Development Agency [NPHCDA], 2020). These outbreaks can be linked to several factors, including suboptimal vaccination coverage, inadequate healthcare access, and poor nutritional practices during early childhood. Research has shown that children with nutritional deficiencies are more susceptible to infections, including measles, as malnutrition adversely affects the immune system's ability to mount an effective response (Nwokolo et al., 2019).
Weaning practices in Nigeria vary widely based on cultural, socioeconomic, and educational factors. Many caregivers may not have adequate knowledge regarding appropriate timing and the nutritional quality of weaning foods, which can lead to inadequate dietary intake and increased vulnerability to infections (Oladipo et al., 2019). Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to assess the weaning factors in the prevalence of measles among secondary school students.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that poor weaning practices, such as late introduction of complementary foods, inappropriate food choices, and lack of maternal knowledge, contribute to nutritional deficiencies that increase susceptibility to infections, including measles (Nwokolo et al., 2019). Moreover, there is insufficient awareness among parents and caregivers regarding the importance of proper weaning methods and their impact on children's health outcomes. This gap in knowledge leads to misconceptions about nutrition and immunization, further hindering effective disease prevention strategies (National Primary Health Care Development Agency [NPHCDA], 2020).
Additionally, limited access to nutritional education and resources in rural and underserved communities amplifies the challenge, resulting in a cycle of poor dietary habits and increased vulnerability to diseases. The interplay between weaning factors and the prevalence of measles among secondary school students remains underexplored, leading to inadequate interventions tailored to address these specific challenges. Hence, it is against this backdrop that this study aims to determine the weaning factors in the prevalence of measles among secondary school students.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to assess the impact of weaning factors on the prevalence of measles among secondary school students. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To evaluate the common weaning practices among parents and caregivers of secondary school students in the study area.
- To assess the level of nutritional knowledge among parents and caregivers regarding appropriate weaning practices and their impact on children's health.
- To determine the prevalence of measles among secondary school students in relation to their weaning practices and nutritional status.
- To identify socio-economic factors influencing weaning practices and access to nutritional education in the community.
- To recommend strategies for improving weaning practices and nutritional education to enhance the health outcomes of secondary school
1.4 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:
- What are the common weaning practices among parents and caregivers of secondary school students in the study area?
- How knowledgeable are parents and caregivers about appropriate weaning practices and their implications for children's health?
- What is the prevalence of measles among secondary school students, and how does it relate to their weaning practices?
- What socio-economic factors influence the weaning practices and nutritional education of parents and caregivers in the community?
- How do weaning factors impact the nutritional status of secondary school students and their susceptibility to measles infections?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H0: There is no significant relationship between inappropriate weaning practices and the prevalence of measles among secondary school students.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between inappropriate weaning practices and the prevalence of measles among secondary school students.
1.6 Significance of Study
The findings of this research will provide policymakers with evidence to formulate effective health policies aimed at reducing measles outbreaks in secondary schools. Additionally, the study will raise awareness among parents and caregivers about the importance of proper weaning practices in preventing measles and other infectious diseases. Ultimately, this research will serve as a foundation for further studies on child health, nutrition, and disease prevention in similar demographic settings.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the assess the weaning factors in the prevalence of measles among secondary school students.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- 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.
- Financial Constraint: As the budget for the research was insufficient to cover all expenses related to data collection and analysis. This limitation affected the scope of the study and the resources available for a thorough investigation.
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: There was a delay from respondents in providing the necessary information, which contributed to the prolonged data collection period. This delay made it difficult to adhere to the original timeline for the study.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Weaning: It refers to the process of gradually introducing solid foods to an infant's diet while reducing breast milk intake (Dewey & Brown, 2003). This transition is critical in a child's nutritional development and can impact their immune system.
Measles: It is a highly contagious viral infection characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash. The disease is preventable through vaccination, specifically the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is typically administered in early childhood (World Health Organization, 2020).
Prevalence: It indicates the total number of cases of a disease in a given population at a specific time. In this study, it refers to the proportion of secondary school students who have experienced measles within a defined timeframe (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).
Secondary School Students: They are individuals enrolled in educational institutions that provide education for students typically aged 12 to 18 years, corresponding to the middle and high school levels of education (National Center for Education Statistics, 2022).
Nutritional Status: It is a measure of an individual's health in relation to the consumption and utilization of nutrients. It is influenced by various factors, including dietary intake, lifestyle, and socio-economic conditions (World Health Organization, 2021).
Immunization: It is the process by which a person is made immune or resistant to aninfectious disease, typically through the administration of a vaccine.Vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing diseases like measles and is akey factor in public health initiatives (Orenstein et al., 2004).…
