1.1 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Globally, malnutrition is responsible for nearly half of all deaths in children under five, highlighting its critical impact on child health and survival. Malnutrition among children is a multifaceted public health issue that transcends biological and economic factors, deeply rooted in social and cultural contexts (UNICEF, 2021). Malnutrition among children remains a pressing global health challenge, with profound implications for physical and cognitive development, morbidity, and mortality. Despite significant advances in medical and nutritional sciences, malnutrition continues to affect millions of children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In 2020, it was estimated that 149 million children under five were stunted, 45 million were wasted, and 38.9 million were overweight, reflecting the multifaceted nature of malnutrition (UNICEF, WHO, & World Bank, 2021).
The persistence of malnutrition is not solely due to the lack of food but is influenced by a web of social and cultural factors that determine dietary practices, health-seeking behaviors, and care practices. Poverty remains a fundamental driver, as it limits access to sufficient and nutritious food, healthcare services, and education (Black et al., 2013). However, even within communities with adequate food supply, malnutrition can prevail due to cultural norms, and practices that affect how food is distributed and consumed.
Cultural factors play a significant role in shaping dietary habits and child-rearing practices. For instance, traditional beliefs may dictate food taboos and preferences that restrict children's access to essential nutrients. In some cultures, certain foods might be avoided by pregnant and lactating women, reducing the nutritional quality of breast milk (Martorell, 2017). Furthermore, gender norms can influence feeding practices, often resulting in boys receiving more food and attention compared to girls, thereby exacerbating gender disparities in nutritional status (Das Gupta, 2014).
Malnutrition refers to deficiencies in a person's intake of energy and/or nutrients. It encompasses both undernutrition and overnutrition (WHO, 2021). One significant social factor contributing to malnutrition is poverty, which limits access to adequate nutrition, healthcare, and education. Families in impoverished communities often struggle to provide diverse and nutrient-rich foods necessary for healthy child development (Smith & Haddad, 2015). Furthermore, cultural beliefs and practices can influence dietary habits and child-rearing practices, sometimes adversely affecting nutritional status (Bhutta et al., 2013). Education and literacy levels of caregivers, particularly mothers, significantly impact children's nutrition. Educated mothers are more likely to adopt optimal breastfeeding practices, diversify their children's diets, and seek healthcare services when needed (Bhutta et al., 2008). Moreover, social support networks and community structures can either mitigate or exacerbate malnutrition. Communities with strong social cohesion and support systems can effectively mobilize resources to improve child nutrition, whereas those with fragmented social structures may struggle to address the issue effectively (Pelto et al., 2013). Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to carry out Social Cultural Factors Responsible for Malnutrition Among Children.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that traditional beliefs and cultural practices dictate dietary habits that may not align with nutritional needs. For instance, certain foods deemed inappropriate for children or pregnant women due to cultural myths can lead to nutrient deficiencies (Pelto et al., 2013). These beliefs can result in the exclusion of vital nutrients from children's diets, contributing to malnutrition.
Additionally, poverty remains a significant barrier to adequate nutrition. Families with limited financial resources often struggle to afford a diverse and nutritious diet, relying instead on cheaper, less nutritious foods (Black et al., 2013). The socioeconomic context significantly influences dietary choices and overall nutritional status, necessitating comprehensive poverty alleviation strategies.
Furthermore, the educational level of caregivers, particularly mothers, plays a crucial role in child nutrition. Mothers with limited education may lack knowledge about proper feeding practices, the importance of breastfeeding, and the nutritional needs of young children (Bhutta et al., 2008). Educational interventions targeting caregivers can help improve nutritional outcomes. Hence, it is against this backdrop that this study aims to examine the social cultural factors responsible for malnutrition among children.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to explore the Social Cultural Factors Responsible for Malnutrition Among Children in Calabar South Local Government Area. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To analyze the impact of gender norms and biases on food distribution within households and their effects on the nutritional status of male and female children;
- To evaluate how poverty and socioeconomic status affect access to nutritious food, healthcare services, and overall nutritional outcomes among children;
- To investigate specific cultural beliefs, taboos, and practices that influence dietary habits and nutritional status among children in the study area;
- To assess the nutritional knowledge of caregivers, particularly mothers, and their influence on child feeding practices and nutritional status; and
- To proffer solution that will mitigate the social and cultural factors contributing to child malnutrition in the area under study.
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:
- Does cultural belief, and practice influence dietary habits and nutritional status among children in the study area?
- How does poverty and socioeconomic status affect access to nutritious food, healthcare services, and overall nutritional outcomes among children?
- To what extent does the nutritional knowledge of caregivers, particularly mothers influence the child feeding practices and nutritional status?
- What is the impact of gender norms and biases on food distribution within households and their effects on the nutritional status of male and female children?
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.
Hypothesis One
- H0: Gender biases in food distribution within households do not lead to higher rates of malnutrition among female children compared to male children
- H1: Gender biases in food distribution within households lead to higher rates of malnutrition among female children compared to male children
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are not more likely to experience malnutrition than those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds
- H1: Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to experience malnutrition than those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds
1.6 Significance of Study
At the completion of this research, the findings of the study will provide a comprehensive understanding of the social and cultural factors contributing to child malnutrition and to inform the development of targeted, culturally appropriate, and sustainable interventions to improve child health outcomes globally.
The study will be of immense benefit to the entire pregnant mothers in Nigeria as it will educate them on the effect of malnutrition on child mortality rate. The study will also educate them on how to take care of their child at the early age of growth and development. The study will educate on the causes, prevalence and strategies for reducing malnutrition in children from zero to five years.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Social Cultural Factors Responsible for Malnutrition Among Children in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. This research will also cover the strategies for reducing malnutrition in children from zero to five years of age.
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.
- 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).
1.9 Definition of Terms
Malnutrition:
Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person's intake of energy and/or nutrients. It encompasses both undernutrition (including stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies) and overnutrition (including overweight and obesity) (World Health Organization, 2021).
Stunting:
Stunting is a form of chronic undernutrition during the most critical periods of growth and development in early life, leading to impaired growth and development that children cannot recover from. It is defined as a height-for-age measurement below the fifth percentile on the WHO Child Growth Standards (WHO, 2021).
Wasting:
Wasting is a form of acute malnutrition that occurs when a child has a low weight for their height, reflecting recent and severe weight loss due to insufficient nutrient intake and/or illness. It is defined as weight-for-height below the fifth percentile on the WHO Child Growth Standards (WHO, 2021).
Micronutrient Deficiencies:
Micronutrient deficiencies, also known as hidden hunger, occur when essential vitamins and minerals (such as iron, vitamin A, and iodine) are lacking in the diet. These deficiencies can lead to severe health issues, including impaired cognitive and physical development, and increased susceptibility to infections (Bhutta et al., 2013).
Socioeconomic Status (SES):
Socioeconomic status is a measure of an individual's or family's economic and social position relative to others, based on income, education, and occupation. SES is a significant determinant of health outcomes, including nutritional status, due to its influence on access to resources like food, healthcare, and education (Marmot, 2005).
Cultural Beliefs and Practices:
Cultural beliefs and practices refer to the shared attitudes, values, goals, and behaviors that characterize a group or society. These can include dietary restrictions, food taboos, and traditional feeding practices that influence nutritional outcomes (Pelto et al., 2013).
