KNOWLEDGE REGARDING PROTEIN ENERGY MALNUTRITION AMONG MOTHERS OF UNDER FIVE CHILDREN ADMITTED IN A SELECTED HOSPITAL AT MANGALORE WITH A VIEW TO PROVIDE HEALTH EDUCATION

Ms. Sonia Sonny; Mrs. Malarvizhi M

Volume : IV, Issue : VI, June - 2015

KNOWLEDGE REGARDING PROTEIN ENERGY MALNUTRITION AMONG MOTHERS OF UNDER FIVE CHILDREN ADMITTED IN A SELECTED HOSPITAL AT MANGALORE WITH A VIEW TO PROVIDE HEALTH EDUCATION

Ms. Sonia Sonny, Mrs. Malarvizhi M

Abstract :

Malnutrition is truly a global challenge. Adequate nutrition is essential in early childhood to ensure healthy growth, proper organ formation and function, for a strong immune system and neurological and cognitive development[1]. Materials and methods: A descriptive approach was used for the present study. The participants were about 100 in number and purposive sampling technique was used. Data was collected by administering a structured knowledge questionnaire. Results: The results showed that 42% of mothers had an average level of knowledge about Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM), 37% and 10% of them had poor and very poor level of knowledge and 11% of the mothers had good knowledge regarding PEM. Conclusion: Mothers had good knowledge regarding preventive aspects of Protein Energy Malnutrition. Keyword: Knowledge of mother, Protein energy malnutrition, Under five children.