Maternal literacy and malnutrition in children: A comparative study.

Abstract

Abstract: Nutritional status is an important aspect of child’s health profile and affects child’s development and growth. This study aimed at exploring relationship between maternal literacy and malnutrition in children under-five years old. Methodology: Two groups were made comprising of mothers, according to the nutritional status of their under-five children presenting in free clinic in Ali Raza Abad Lahore with URTI. Results: Significant difference was found in literacy level in two groups; with 38% illiteracy amongst mothers with malnourished children as compared to 14% amongst women with children not suffering from malnutrition and p value at 0.0062. More mothers of children suffering from malnutrition were found illiterate as compared to mother of well-nourished children. Conclusion: As illiteracy affected children nutrition it is recommended that illiterate women may be targeted for health education on short term basis and education be made mandatory for long term solution to this problem.