Predisposing Factors to Protein Energy Malnutrition among Children (0-5 Years) in Umuogele Umuariam Community in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria

This non-experimental, cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the “predisposing factors to protein energy malnutrition among children in Umuogele Umuariam Community, in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State.” The target population comprised all the mothers in Umuogele Umuariam Community, in Obowo Local Government Area who has children (0-5years). The sample size consisted of 150 respondents who were selected using the convenient sampling technique after stratified sampling method. Data was collected from the mothers through self-structured and validated questionnaires. Data collected were presented in frequency and percentage. Mean scores were used to analyze the data. 2.50 was chosen as the bench mark (≥2.5 as criteria of acceptance). Inferential statistics (chi-square) (x2) was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that the mothers do not have very good knowledge of protein-energy malnutrition, that ignorance on food nutrition, non-practice of exclusive breastfeeding and poor weaning methods were the major factors that predispose children to protein energy malnutrition. Result also shows that proper nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding and proper weaning can be an effective tool in reducing PEM among under five children. Based on the results, the researchers recommended that enhancement in both knowledge and practice is greatly required on the following areas of exclusive breast milk, initiation of breast milk, continuous feeding of breast milk and good dietary practices.