Malnutrition is a pressing global health issue, significantly impacting children's health and development. It contributes to millions of deaths and disabilities annually, with severe malnutrition leading to approximately 1 million child fatalities each year and affecting around 20 million children under five. In India, nearly two-thirds of children in this age group are malnourished, with 5-8% experiencing severe forms of malnutrition. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of parents regarding malnutrition in children under five years old. Using a convenience sampling method, data was collected through interviews with parents from selected rural areas. The results indicated that 56% of mothers had received information on malnutrition, and the majority of parents were aged 23 to 27 years. Most participants practiced Jainism, completed primary education, and belonged to nuclear families. Economic conditions showed that 54% of families had a monthly income of Rs. 3000 or less, with a significant portion adhering to a vegetarian diet. The findings revealed that 58% of parents possessed a moderate level of knowledge about malnutrition, with a mean knowledge score of 8.64. Furthermore, 86% exhibited moderately positive attitudes, reflected in a mean attitude score of 32.84. A notable positive correlation was identified between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.097), suggesting that increased knowledge is associated with improved attitudes toward malnutrition. However, no significant associations were found between knowledge or attitudes and demographic variables such as age, education, or economic status. Importantly, the study highlighted a significant increase in parents' knowledge following health education on malnutrition, emphasizing the importance of educational interventions in addressing this critical issue.

Keywords: Malnutrition, Knowledge, Attitudes, Child health, Educational intervention

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Malnutrition is a pressing global health issue, significantly impacting children's health and development. It contributes to millions of deaths and disabilities annually, with severe malnutrition leading to approximately 1 million child fatalities each year and affecting around 20 million children under five. In India, nearly two-thirds of children in this age group are malnourished, with 5-8% experiencing severe forms of malnutrition. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of parents regarding malnutrition in children under five years old. Using a convenience sampling method, data was collected through interviews with parents from selected rural areas. The results indicated that 56% of mothers had received information on malnutrition, and the majority of parents were aged 23 to 27 years. Most participants practiced Jainism, completed primary education, and belonged to nuclear families. Economic conditions showed that 54% of families had a monthly income of Rs. 3000 or less, with a significant portion adhering to a vegetarian diet. The findings revealed that 58% of parents possessed a moderate level of knowledge about malnutrition, with a mean knowledge score of 8.64. Furthermore, 86% exhibited moderately positive attitudes, reflected in a mean attitude score of 32.84. A notable positive correlation was identified between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.097), suggesting that increased knowledge is associated with improved attitudes toward malnutrition. However, no significant associations were found between knowledge or attitudes and demographic variables such as age, education, or economic status. Importantly, the study highlighted a significant increase in parents' knowledge following health education on malnutrition, emphasizing the importance of educational interventions in addressing this critical issue.

Keywords: Malnutrition, Knowledge, Attitudes, Child health, Educational intervention

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.