Research Paper

A Qualitative Assessment Of Mothers' Knowledge And Perception Regarding Food For Under Five Children In Rural Areas Of Bangladesh

Abstract :

Introduction: It is estimated that worldwide 165 million or 26% children under-five years of age stunted, 101 million or 16% were underweight and 52 million or 8% were wasted. Each year about 7.6 million under five children die because of this preventable malnutrition and about 60% deaths occurring among children in developing countries, whereas 90% stunted children living in Asia and Africa. In Bangladesh the rates of malnutrition were highest in the world. About 9.5 million children or 54% of preschool-age children were stunted, 56% are underweight and more than 17% are wasted. Children are the future of a nation and mothers are the guardian who build for healthy nation. So if the mother or the care giver of the infant and young children are nutritionally educated can ing up their children in a healthier way. Malnutrition is being a multi-causal problem needs to be addressed through multidisciplinary approach. Objective: This study aiming to assess mothers knowledge and perception regarding infant and young child food in rural areas. Methods: It was a cross sectional study and qualitative in design followed by six focus group discussions (FGD) and 12 in-depth interview in Barisal, Faridpur, and Jessore districts to assess basic knowledge about food, diet and consumption, etc. Results: All most all the mothers or caregivers mentioned that green and yellow vegetables, small fish, fruits, etc. are useful for eye sight development and prevention of night blindness, whereas no responses found for in taking fishes to their children. The mothers from Barisal and Jessore perceived the need to feed animal foods to keep their children well. Maximum participants from Barisal and few from Jessore opined that child should be fed a balanced diet which would help for babys sound health. Most of these they knew mainly from mass and print media. Some participants also mentioned that they knew from books, doctors, teachers, family members and own experiences. Conclusion: Proper nutrition contributes significantly to declines in under-five mortality rates. Improving nutritional status is essential for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

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