KNOWLEDGE OF MOTHERS

This study assessed the knowledge of women of childbearing age regarding the causes, signs, barriers, and factors contributing to malnutrition among children under five years. Four research questions guided the study, focusing on maternal awareness of malnutrition causes, recognition of its signs, obstacles to applying nutritional knowledge, and factors that enhance understanding. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, as data were collected from a sample population with specific characteristics. The target population comprised women of childbearing age in the study area, and a total of 300 respondents were selected using a combination of random and purposive sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire consisting of relevant items was personally administered by the researcher, with instructions provided to ensure accurate responses. The findings revealed that women demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge regarding the causes of malnutrition (grand mean = 2.51) and its signs (grand mean = 2.53). While most respondents recognised inadequate feeding practices, lack of exclusive breastfeeding, stunted growth, and poor weight gain as indicators of malnutrition, gaps existed in awareness of poverty, repeated childhood illnesses, and maternal nutrition during pregnancy. Key barriers to applying nutritional knowledge included financial constraints, cultural beliefs, household responsibilities, limited access to health professionals, and inadequate health education programmes. Factors contributing to improved maternal knowledge included access to health professionals, participation in health education programmes, formal education, community-based campaigns, and media sources. The study concluded that although women of childbearing age have moderate awareness of malnutrition, cultural, economic, and educational limitations restrict the effective application of their knowledge. It is recommended that government and non- governmental organisations implement intensive maternal education programmes, community awareness campaigns, women’s empowerment initiatives, and media-based nutrition education to enhance maternal understanding and improve child nutrition outcomes.