CHAPTER ONE

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Malnutrition: according to Benjamin and Woother (2007), this is the

condition that occurs when a person’s body is not getting enough nutrients

sources. The condition may result from adequate or unbalance diet, digestive

difficulties and mal-absorption worldwide malnutrition continuous to be

significant problem especially among infant and pre-school children who

feed adequate for themselves culture and ignorance contribute to the

malnutrition.

Culture: according to Henry (1993) determine the language we speak the

food we eat the types of clothes we put on, where we seek health care and

our religious practice which is the system of community as regard to the

types food they eat and grow what should be eaten and forbidden and how

food is cooked affect the health status of the community. Malnutrition is not

just caused by culture and also by the ignorance are the contributing factors

responsible for high prevalence of malnutrition among infants in developing

countries especially Africa. There in a community that their culture

forbidden them from eating valuable nutrients (food) such as meat of certain

1
animals such as rabbits, snakes, snails and edible insects. The fact that

becomes very important when considering the nutritional status of the at risk

groups in the community such as pregnant women, children and lactating

matters.

According to Demen (1987) emphasizes culture has been described as a

learned and shared human pattern or method for living day today living

pattern these pattern and model provide all aspects of human social

interaction.

According to Lederech (1995) emphasizes it was explained that culture is

the shared knowledge and scheme created by a set of people for perceiving,

interesting, expressing and responding to social realities around them.

According to Glogmen (1969-1999) cited while ignorance was explained as

the condition or state of someone lack knowledge about something and was

previous as the most violent element in the societies.

According to Red et-al (2006) said from the control India compare from the

recommended dietary allowance (RDA) collium and ion consumption were

very low among them, apart from central India intake of colorizes (2211

kcal) proteins (76g), fat (26g) and other macro and micronutrients for

consumption per day.

2
According to Black et-al (2003) said but still under nourishment continuous

to be major public health issue and cause substantial problem of child death

every year especially in the developing countries till India. According to

Gopalan (2002) emphasize the large section of population were suffering

from varying degree of protein energy deficiency which is the most

important nature in the body.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Sincerely speaking culture and ignorance are the serious problem of

malnutrition in infants in the world in the term of morbidity and mortality

and the nation in general apart from these pregnant women are forbidden

from eating edible and available food which is valuable for her health and

body. Also leads to the serious problem of mal nutrition among infant and

per-school children. (Mahapatre et-al 2000).

According to Bharati (2005) cited children as well as necessity of special

and temporal community specific data across section surgery was done

among per-school children and 0.5 years to across the health and nutrition

status.

According to Jaliffe (1966) and who (1995) said qualitative and quantities

assessment was through actual weight of row food item.

3
Anthropometive measurement (weight and height) we measured domical

sign of malnutrition defiance were concluded.

The research will answer the following questions:

1. Is there any significant nutrition problem in infants that associated

with ignorance?

2. Does culture practice affect nutritional status of infants?

3. Does a nutritional problems affects infant of educational groups?

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The aims of the study are timed out influence of culture and ignorance

toward malnutrition among infants.

1. To identify the common culture practice toward nutrition in the

community.

2. to identify the various nutritional problems of infants that are

associated with ignorance;

3. to determine the knowledge of the people toward malnutrition; and

4. to health educate parents on the factors responsible for causing

malnutrition in the area of study.

4
1.4 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

1. Nutritional problems of infants are associated with ignorance.

2. Culture practice significantly affect nutritional status of infants.

3. Nutritional problems does not affect infants of education group.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Finding it complete will guide community, local government, state, federal

agencies and other non-governmental organizations in crutching problems of

malnutrition among children, the study highlight executives in carrying their

duties, it will also help health practitioners or personnel working in rural

areas. On the other hand help students in health training institutions a

services a source of literate one of the basic fact of the study that, there is on

community that will help greatly in identifying various improvements by

means of preventing malnutrition problems.

1.6 DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This research is only limited to area of study Ingawa, Ingawa Local

Government, Katsina State. Due to the lack of time, transport and finance as

such research cannot cover large areas.

This research for the area is influence of culture and ignorance toward

malnutrition in infants.

5
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Morbidity: Refers to the state of being diseased or unhealthy within

a population.

2. Mortality: Is the term used for the number of people who died

within a population.

3. Metabolism: Is the chemical processing there is no community

carryout by the body cell.

4. Warming: Is the gradual introduction of the semi solid food while

breastfeeding continuous or stop.

5. Enzymes: Are organs catalyst that accelerate or rate clinical

reaction.

6. R.D.A: Means Recommended Dietary Allowance.

7. Calories: Is the amount of heat requires to raise the temperature of

1kg of water through 1C.

6
 CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.0 INTRODUCTION

First the chapter deals with conceptual framework of the present research

problem and primary matters regarding the research. It had the statement of

the problem, terms defined, objectives of the study, hypothesis, importance

of the study and the limitation of the study. But for any specific research to

occupy the place in the development of a discipline, the research must

thoroughly familiar with both previous theory and research. To assure this

familiarity a review of the research literature is done. It allows the researcher

know the amount of work done in the concerned area. The clarity of the

problem is possible with through understanding of the knowledge generation

in the area of research. It provides the sources for hypothesis it avoids the

replication if suggest the method procedure, sources of data and statistical

technique appropriate to the solution of the problem.

The review of the related literature provides some insight regarding strong

points and limitation of the previous studies. It enables them to improve

their own investigation and to arrive at the proper perspective of the study.

This chapter deals with the review of literature under following subheadings:

7
 1. To identify the various nutrition problems on infant that associated

with ignorance.

2. To identify the common culture practices toward nutrition in the

community.

3. To determine the knowledge of people ward.

4. To identify the solution against the malnutrition.

5. To health educate parents on the factors responsible for causing

malnutrition in the areas of study.

2.1 TO IDENTIFY THE VARIOUS NUTRITIONAL PROBLEMS OF

INFANT THAT ARE ASSOCIATED WITH IGNORANCE.

According to Joseph (1990) he emphasizes the ignorance is Latin word (in,

not, and grounds knowing) from the above meaning it can refers to as lack of

knowledge about something in being capable knowing fundamentally

speaking and with regard to a given object ignorance is the outcome of

limitation of the intellect of obscurity of the mother itself.

It is therefore to be taken to means obscurity of information with one regard

at to have the mere went of knowing without connoting requirement on the

pact of the person to posses it may be nascence.

8
According to Gold Man (1869-1969) ignorance is said to be invisible when a

person is unable to himself of it notwithstanding the employment of normal

diligence that such under the circumstances is normally speaking possible

and violent in the society.

While ignorance was explained as the condition or state of someone lack

knowledge about something and was pronounced as the most violent

element in the society.

The various nutrition problems of infant are Marasmus and Kwashiorkor.

MARASMUS, DEFICIENCY AND KWASHIORKOR

Marasmus: Is a form of severe malnutrition characterized by energy.

Deficiency: A child with marasmus lack emaciated.

Kwashiorkor: is an acute form of childhood protein energy malnutrition

characterized by edema.

2.2 TO IDENTIFY THE COMMON CULTURE PRACTICE

TOWARD NUTRITION IN THE COMMUNITY.

Culture is also described as the shared knowledge and scheme created by set

of people for peace-living, interpreting, expressing and responding to the

social realities around them.

9
Culture according to Henry (1995) determine the language we speak the

food we eat the types of clothes we put on, where we seek health care our

religious practice which is the system of community as regard to the types of

food they eat and grow what should be eaten and forbidden and how food is

cooked affects the health status of the community.

Malnutrition is not just caused by culture and also by the ignorance are the

contributing factors responsible for high prevalence of malnutrition among

infants in developing countries.

In some countries especially Africa there is a community that their culture

forbidden them eating valuable nutrients such as rabbits, snakes, snails and

edible insects.

The fact they becomes very important when considering the nutritional

status of the at risk group in the community such as pregnant women,

children and lactating mothers.

2.3 TO DETERMINE THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE PEOPLE

TOWARD NUTRITION.

According to (Surajini T. Ramdingan) he emphasizes nutrition is the series

of process by which living organisms obtain food substances and use them

10
to provide energy and materials for their growth, activities and reproduction.

This therefore a basic characteristics life.

Food is complex-energy rich organic matter which living organisms feed

onto obtains nutrients substances for life.

Green plants are the eating most important food producer’s photosynthesis

and minerals salt up take and utilization are their essential nutrition

processes.

All animals feed on ready-made food. This food is made up of several group

of substances. Before this food substances can be absorbed into the animal

body, they food substances balanced diets and digestive system.

2.4 TO IDENTIFY THE SOLUTION AGAINST THE

MALNUTRITION.

According to family doctor cited malnutrition is when your body doesn’t get

enough energy or nutrients from the food you eat to work properly. Good

nutrition is very importance for all older infants. Malnutrition result from

poor diet or lack of food. It happens when the intake of nutrients or energy is

too high, too low or poorly balanced.

11
Under nutrition can lead to delayed growth or wasting, while diet that

provides too much food, but not necessarily, leads to obesity. Malnutrition is

one of the main causes of death in children under 5 years of age and one of

the most common factors threatening children’s life and health.

The best way to prevent malnutrition is to eat a balanced diet.

1. Plenty of fruit and vegetables.

2. Plenty of bread, rice, potatoes, pasta and starchy foods.

3. Some milk and dairy foods.

4. Some meat, fish, eggs, bean and other non dairy sources of protein.

For the purpose of these research studies the following area of concern these

are:

1. Carbohydrate

2. Protein

3. Fat and oil

4. Mineral salt

5. Vitamins

6. Water

12
1. Carbohydrates: Are made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen there are

different types of carbohydrates. Some e.g. are sugar, starch and

cellulose.

Carbohydrate is the main source of energy in the body. In addition, they

are used to build certain body artist.

2. Proteins: Contain nitrogen in addition carbon hydrogen and oxygen.

They are main body building substances necessary for building new cells

and replacing old ones.

They are also essential for the formation of enzymes and hormones,

meant (flesh) milk and eggs are rich in protein.

3. Fat and Oil: Are known as lipids, they contain a high proportion of

carbon and hydrogen but very little oxygen.

Fat are solids and oils are liquids at room temperatures, they provide

them with body energy they are solvent components of cell membranes.

4. Mineral Salt: Regulate the metabolism of the body. Some of them are

components of enzymes, pig mints and structure parts.

We obtain our minerals requirement from our diet. Some minerals like

calcium photo rums and sodium are needed in fairly large amount while

others like trader and iron are only needed in small amount. A lack of the

13
 necessary mineral salt lead to ill health and in certain cases deficiency

diseases.

5. Vitamins: Are organic compounds they are not energy producing food.

They are biocatalyst i.e. they promote chemicals reactions in the body.

Vitamins A, D, E and K are soluble.

Fruits vitamins B and C are water soluble fruits vegetables, milk, eggs,

animal organic and palm oil are rich in vitamins, many people do not take

enough vitamin-rich food and s suffer from ill health and deficiency

diseases.

6. Water: About two percent of the body mass of human being is due to

water makes up a large part of protoplasm, it is the medium in which

substances must being a dissolved from before they can react also

important in the transportation of substance such as digested food

substances, excretory product and hormones furthermore, all enzymes

need a water medium to work in. water plays an important part in the

regulation s body temperature.

2.5 CONCEPT OF MALNUTRITION

According to Michael (2007) said malnutrition is the general term for

medical condition caused by an improper or insufficient diet, it most often

refers to under nutrition resulting for inadequate consumption, poor

14
absorption or excessive lost of nutrient but the form can also encompass

over nutrition.

An individual will experience malnutrition if the amount of quality of

nutrients comprising a healthy diet are not concerned for extended period.

According to Benjamin (2007) said malnutrition is present of lack of

sufficient nutrients to maintain healthy body function and its typically

associated with extreme poverty in economically countries. He further state

that the condition occur when a person’s body is not getting enough

nutrients which result from in adequate or unbalance problem or other

medical condition.

2.6 FACTORS LEADING TO MALNUTRITION IN INFANT

According to FAD (2001-2003) said as far as 208 malnutrition continues to

be a worldwide problem particularly in lesser development countries.

According to the food and agricultural organization of the United Nations

850 million of people in the world were undernourished in 1999 to 2005 the

most recent years for the figure are available and the number of the

malnourished people has recently increasing.

The fundamental issue causing malnutrition is that human population the

earth capacity however food first raises the issue of food sovereignty and
15
claimed that every country (which the possible exception of some cites) has

sufficient agricultural capacity to feed its own people but that the free food

economic under associated with such issue institution on international

monetary fund (IMF) and the world bank prevent this from happening.

According to Stuart and Lawrence (2007) they emphasizes the etiology of

malnutrition include the factors such as poor food availability and

preparation, recurrent infection traditional and cultural belief and lack

nutritional education, each of these factors is also infected by political

instability and war, lack of sanitation, poor food distribution, economic

down turn and erotic health care provision and by factor at the community

and regional level.

Certain people are mere susceptible t malnutrition that others for example

individual rapid growth such as (infant) all the above factors are main focus

in leading infants to become malnourished.

2.7 ILLITERACY AND POVERTY

According to Henry (1993) he said these are the contributory factors in

causing malnutrition in infant. Lack of awareness by the parent of what

constitute abundance diet to her baby, they use to make a wrong food

selection priority, such people do not always budget food plan their menu

16
they often on cheap, high carbohydrate food. If the children are not served

meat it is usually not bigger that the community with high level of illiteracy

family as often poor nutrition status.

It was further state that ignorance and poverty are together the cause of

malnutrition especially in infants were mostly experience in developing

countries like Ghana and Nigeria. It was pronounced that illiteracy is the

father and poverty is the mother of causing malnutrition.

A child born poverty and ignorance almost it variability inherit various types

of health problem in such as malnutrition and frequent attack of

communicable diseases the relationship between ignorance, poverty and

malnutrition is very vital, if chains of events arising from the relation

between the three factors are not broken its result to what scientist called

cycle of poverty or deprivation as shown in the figure below.

17
 Being Born By Poor
Ignorant Parents
State of Health

Having Poor Home Raising Children

Marry, a Matured Background and in Poverty and
Educated Girl Poor Feeding Ignorance

Attend Poor Setting Up a

Get a Good Pay School Facility in a Poor
Environment

Obtaining a
Poor Result Marrying Poor
Take Up Good Job Teenage Girl
at Ripe Age

Become Drop
Further Their Being Poorly
Out
Education to Paid
Tertiary Level

Taking Up a Poor Job

A Few Obtain Good as Teenager
Result

THE CYCLE OF POVERTY OR DEPRIVATION

18
2.8 LACK OF ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT ON HEALTH CARE

DELIVERY

According to Onis and Montero (1993) cited the world health organization

department of nutrition for health and development is responsible for

formulation dietary nutrition guidelines for international uses adequate total

nutrition include.

The following nutrient proportion energy (calories) vitamins B and

Carotene, vitamin D, vitamin K, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C,

pentatonic acid, Biotin , folate, vitamin, vitamin c, antioxidant, calcium, iron

zinc, magnesium and iodine.

Most important are protein and calories/energy requirement need the utilized

protein if these element are inadequate the result are protein energy

malnutrition (PEM) or protein calories malnutrition (PCM) which affect one

the poor children worldwide with highest concentration in a condition called

marasmus while high.

According to Schoeder (2007) said currently effect are targeted as high risk

your currently infant and pregnant women, for it is “in these population and

during this age that nutrition interventions have the greatest potentials for

benefit. Even the simple supplements of vitamins or beta-carotene

19
supplement and provides standard hygiene each of these programmed” most

tailored to particular problems, strategies for reducing prevalence to

malnutrition most efficiently address.

20
 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION

This research discuss on the research design are of the study, population of

the study and samples technique, of data connection validity and reality of

instrument administration of the data collection ad technique for data

analysis.

3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN

This research is an empirical study that trying to identify the influence of

culture and ignorance to ward malnutrition in infant at the area of study.

3.3 AREA OF THE STUDY

The study is conduct in Ingawa Town, Ingawa Local Government Katsina

State. The state has thirty four (34) Local Governments in Katsina State. It is

bounded in East by (Roni LGA, Jigawa State), from the South by Kankia

Local Government, West by Bindawa local government and north by the

Dusti Local Government. It has an area of 892km 2 and a population of 169,

753 at the 2006 census, and the Emir (Sarkin of the District is ALH. Sule

Abubakar Dambo Sarkin Fulani the postal code of the area is 823) Ingawa

21
become a Local Government in May 1989 the Chairman is the official head

of Local Government the habitant of the Local Government are pre-

dominantly Hausa and Fulani by tribe the main occupation is farming and

veering the local government education authority Ingawa was established in

1989 after the creation of Ingawa Local Government port of defiant Kankia

Local Government.

3.4 POPULATION OF THE STUDY

Population can be defined as it best applied in research aspect or group of

people, object and institution with in a particular place having the same or

similar characteristics.

The target population of the study comprised only infant all sex in (Ingawa

Town), Ingawa local government as each one has need to grow and healthy.

3.5 SAMPLE AND SAMPLE TECHNIQUE

This is defined as the portion drive out the entire population and their

responses will then be reflecting to that of the general population.

Sample techniques or method simply refers to procedures sample from the

population. This always necessary to define clearly the population from

22
which the sampling is drawn and also that a suitable sampling procedure

should be chosen so as to reduce bias in selecting the sample.

Simply is the process that leads to the selection of the same size. Mukhtar

(2006) simple random non-replacement sampling method will be use to

select the 200 people randomly among age group from (18-35years) both

male and female in the areas of the study with view to collect maximum

information for the research topic.

3.6 INSTRUMENT FOR DATA COLLECTION

This instrument use in obtaining relevance data for the purpose of this

research with designed questionnaire design for data collection information

pertaining the topic of the discussion.

3.7 VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE INSTRUMENT

The validity of the questionnaire was established by the test and pretest

method. Meanwhile, the supervisor went through the questionnaire there by

made some correction to establish the free validity, contact validity and

construct validity and the questionnaire were pretested.

23
3.8 ADMINISTRATION DATA COLLECTION

A well-printed questionnaire was personally distributed by the completion

which the research went back and collects the questionnaire by himself.

3.9 TECHNIQUE FOR DATA ANALYSIS

The new data which were obtained from the respondents in the area of study

were converted to simple percentage and eventually applied as shown in

formula below.

Gender Responses Total

Yes No
MALE A B k
FEMALE C D l
TOTAL M N m

Formula: X2 = (ad – bc )2m

klmn

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

24
This chapter concern on the data presentation and analysis the three

hypotheses formulated and tested as shown in the various table below.

Nwana (1990) defined data analysis as this technique that the researcher

extract from information that was apparently therefore, and which will

enable a summary description of object to be established. The following

analysis is a chi-square method testing hypothesis is applied when the

research want to decide whether the preparation in the various categories of

responses to research questions are the same from the population.

Test of Hypothesis I

Ho: Nutritional problems of infants are associated with ignorance

Ha: The above statement is not true

TABLE 4.1

25
Response of the people on whether nutritional problem of infant is

associated with culture and ignorance

Gender Responses Total

Yes No
MALE 123 17 140
FEMALE 44 16 60
TOTAL 167 33 200

Source: Questionnaire

From the appendix B since X2 = 6.30 > X2 0.00 = 3.841, we reject null

hypothesis and concluded (1) nutritional problems are associated with

ignorance from the generated data of questionnaire. It shows that the two

hundred (200) respondents who filled the questionnaire (167) people are

figure representing 83.5% agree while 33 other respondents representing

17.5% do not with the statement.

Test of Hypothesis II

Ho: Culture practice significantly affects nutritional status of infants

Ha: The above statement is not true

26
TABLE 4.2

Gender Responses Total

Yes No
MALE 126 14 140
FEMALE 48 12 60
TOTAL 174 26 200

Source: Questionnaire

From the appendix C, since X2 = 3.713 < X2 0.05 = 3.841 we therefore

accept null hypothesis and concluded that culture practice significant affect

nutritional status of infants. However from the generated data of

questionnaire, it shows that out of two hundred (200) respondents that fill

the questionnaire (174) other representing about 13% does not agree with

statement.

Test of Hypothesis III

Ho: Nutritional problems do not affect infants of educational group

Ha: The above statement is not true

TABLE 4.3

Gender Responses Total

Yes No

27
 MALE 112 28 140
FEMALE 52 8 60
TOTAL 164 26 200

Source: Questionnaire

From the appendix D, since X2 = 1.2646 < X2 0.05 = 3.841 we therefore

accept null hypothesis and concluded the nutritional problems does not

affect educated community, from the generated of questionnaire, it shows

that out of two hundred (200) respondents who failed questionnaire (164)

people are figure representing 18% does not agree with the statement.

APPENDIX B

STEP I: Formulation of Hypothesis

Ho: Nutritional problems of infants are associated with ignorance

Ha: The above statement is not true

I.e. Ho: p = 0

Vs

Ha: p = 0

STEP II: Let alpha (α) = 0.05 and

28
Df = (r – 1) (r – 1)

= (2 – 1) (2 – 1)

=1x1=1

Df = 3.841

STEP III: Let Test Statistic be

X2 = (ab – bc/klmn)2m

STEP IV: Decision Rule

Reject Ho if X2 cal < X2 tab 0.05 = 3.841

Accept Ha if X2 cal < X2 tab 0.05 = 3.841

STEP V: Compute the statistics from the formula

X2 = (ab – bc/klmn)2m

X2 = (123x16 – 7x44/140x00x167x331)2200

X2 = (1960 – 7x44/146292400)2200

X2 = (1220 /46292400)2200

X2 = (1488400 x 200/46292400)2200

X2 = 297680000/46292400

X2 = 6.430

29
STEP VI: Apply Decision Rule

Since, X2 = 6.430 > X2 = 0.05 = 3841, we therefore reject null hypothesis

and concluded that nutritional problems of infant are associated with
ignorance.

STEP VII: Critical Value

Accept Reject

0.05 = 3.841 X2 = .430

APPENDIX C

STEP I: Formulation of Hypothesis

Ho: Culture practice significantly affects nutritional status of infants

Ha: The above statement is not true

I.e. Ho: p = 0

Vs

Ha: p = 0

STEP II: Let alpha (α) = 0.05 and

30
Df = (r – 1) (r – 1)

= (2 – 1) (2 – 1)

=1x1=1

Df = 3.841

STEP III: Let Test Statistic be

X2 = (ab – bc/klmn)2m

STEP IV: Decision Rule

Reject Ho if X2 cal < X2 tab 0.05 = 3.841

Accept Ha if X2 cal < X2 tab 0.05 = 3.841

STEP V: Compute the statistics from the formula

X2 = (ab – bc/klmn)2m

X2 = (26x12 – 14x48/140x60x174x26)2200

X2 = (1512 – 674/3800-1600)2200

X2 = (840 /38001600)2200

X2 = 705600 x 200/38001600

X2 = 141120000/38001600

X2 = 3.713

STEP VI: Apply Decision Rule

31
Since, X2 = 3.713 > X2 = 0.05 = 3841, we therefore reject null hypothesis
and concluded that cultural practices significantly affects nutritional status of
infants.

STEP VII: Critical Value

Accept Reject

0.05 = 3.841 = 3.713

APPENDIX D

STEP I: Formulation of Hypothesis

Ho: Nutritional problems do not affect infants of education group

Ha: The above statement is not true

I.e. Ho: p = 0

Vs

Ha: p = 0

STEP II: Let alpha (α) = 0.05 and

Df = (r – 1) (r – 1)
32
= (2 – 1) (2 – 1)

=1x1=1

Df = 3.841

STEP III: Let Test Statistic be

X2 = (ab – bc/klmn)2m

STEP IV: Decision Rule

Reject Ho if X2 cal < X2 tab 0.05 = 3.841

Accept Ha if X2 cal < X2 tab 0.05 = 3.841

STEP V: Compute the statistics from the formula

X2 = (ab – bc/klmn)2m

X2 = (112x8 – 28x52/140x60x167x33)2200

X2 = (896 – 28 x 52/49593600)2200

X2 = (-560/49593600)2200

X2 = 313600 x 200/49593600

X2 = 29720000/49593900

X2 = 1.2646

STEP VI: Apply Decision Rule

33
Since, X2 = 3.713 > X2 = 0.05 = 3841, we therefore reject null hypothesis
and concluded that nutritional problems does not affect infant of education
group.

STEP VII: Critical Value

Accept Reject

0.05 = 3.841

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter deals with re-statement of the problems, summary, major

finding, discussion of the findings, conclusion, implication of the study,

recommendation, limitation of the study (if any) and suggestions for further

study.

5.1 RE-STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

34
Sincerely speaking culture and ignorance are the serious problem of

malnutrition in infants in the world, in terms of morbidity and mortality.

Apart from pregnant women are forbidden from eating edible and available

food which is valuable for health and the body, also leads to the serious

problem of malnutrition among infants and pre-school children. (Mahapatre

et-al, 2000)

According to Bharati (2005) said children as well as necessary of special and

temporal community specific data; across section survey was done among

pre-school children and 0.5 years to across the health and health status.

According to Jellife (1966) and WHO (1995) said qualitative and gustative

assessment was done through actual weight to raw food item.

Anthropometric measurement (weight and height) we measured chemical

sign of nutrition deficiency were conclude.

5.2 SUMMARY

Malnutrition according to Benjamin and Woother (2007). This is the

condition that occurs when a person’s body is not getting enough nutrients

sources. The condition may result from an inadequate or unbalance diet

digestive difficulties and mal-absorption, worldwide malnutrition

continuous. To be significant problems especially among infant and

35
preschool children who cannot feed adequately for themselves, culture and

ignorance contribute to the malnutrition.

According to Goplan (2002) the large section of population were suffering

from various degrees of protein energy malnutrition which is the most

important nutrients in the body.

In some part of the country, some community’s cultures are in the practice

of neglecting breastfeeding at birth by mothers to their newborn babies due

to illiteracy problem and lack of awareness this is the best nutrients for

infants and certain antibodies to help fight against infection, while nutrition

and health were the most important contributory factors for human

development.

MAJOR FEEDING

From the information gathered by the questionnaire distributed ignorance

and culture habit among the communities members are contributors of

malnutrition among infants.

5.3 DISCUSSION OF THE FINDINGS

Table 4.1 nutritionals are associated with ignorance from the generated data

of questionnaire it shows it shows that out of two hundred (200) representing

36
83.5% agrees, while 33 other respondents representing 17.5% do not agree

with the statement.

Table 4.2 culture practice significantly affects nutritional status of infants.

However, from the generated data of questionnaire it shows that out of two

hundred (200) respondents who fill the questionnaire (174) people are figure

representing 87% agree, while 26 other are figure representing about 13%

does not agree with the statement.

Table 4.3 nutritional problems do not affects educated communities from the

generated data of the questionnaire 164 people are figure representing 82%

agree, while 26 others representing about 18% does not agree with the

statement.

5.4 CONCLUSION

Based on the previous discussion and analysis, it can be conducted that

infants with malnutrition are more likely to suffer from various category of

diseases than well nourished children as a result of low immunity resulting

from deficiency of food intake of nutrient particularly protein and

carbohydrate. It can also that culture and ignorance among community’s

members affects infant mentally and physical growth which load to different

complication and even death may occur.

37
Finally good health education, counseling, provision as well balanced diet,

improving economic level of the country, early diagnosis and proper in

treatment, exclusive breast feeding improving level of education so that

parents will understand the important of feeding their children.

5.5 IMPLICATION OF THE STUDY

1. There is need for sound health education and food demonstration to

the mothers as well as the households.

2. There is need for proper community mobilization so that people will

become aware of the types so that food needs to be given to the

infants.

3. Family planning should be encouraged to parents whenever the need

arises.

5.6 RECOMMENDATION

The following are the recommendation made by the researcher at the end of

this project write up to a government and non-governmental organizes and

the community in general.

a. The government should participate in the provision of nutritional

supplement so as to reduce the implication of malnutrition among

infants in both rural and urban area.

38
 b. All existing local government should cooperated and coordinate all

their activities to eradicate and prevent malnutrition where and agency

such as primary health care department could serve as coordinator to

ensure a planned comprehensive approach and complementary effect.

c. Government should also consider culture in the implementation of

nutritional dietary campaign so as to motivate the general public to

accept the program.

d. Government should also provide available health care facilities to

ensure maternal and child health care delivery.

e. Mothers should also be educated and encouraged about breast feeding

and weaning plan.

f. Government should also have to enact low on food and nutrition.

5.7 SUGGESTIONS FOR OTHER STUDIES

This research work is not final investigation of the problems rather there is

need for further research to be done which may be under and broader.

Anybody wishing to write further should endeavor to write on this cheapest

option of the influence of culture and ignorance toward malnutrition in

infants and possible solutions to the problems.

39
REFERENCES

Angella and Market (1994) A Practical Guide to Working with Babies

Published by University Printing Press Nigeria.

Anneten (1984) A Comprehensive Guide to Risk and Infants of Vitamin

Supplement First Edition Published by Pockets Book New York.

Fishben’s (1981) Medical and Health Encyclopedia Vol. 19 International

Unified Edition Published.

Henry a. (1993) A. Z. Community Health and Social Medicine for Medical

and Nursing Practical Published by ZAM Communication Dugbe,
Ibadan, Nigeria.

Joseph F. (1910) The Catholic Encyclopedia vol. III published Remy

Lessport New York.

K. Park et-al (1986) Preventive and Social Medicine for Tropic Second
Edition Published by University Press Manchester, England.

40
Lukas and Gilles (1990) A New Start Textbook of Preventive Medicine for
the Tropic Published by ELBS with Edward Arnold.

Rahan et-al (2004) In fact Maternal Depression on Infant’s Nutrition status

and Illness Published by Science New India.

Twins M. (2006) Malnutrition is Cheating its Supervisor and African Future

Article in the New York.

SAMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE

School of Health Technology

Kankia
Department of Environment
Health Sciences Katsina State
Dear respondent,
I am health education and promotion student with the above mentioned
institution currently pursuing a Professional Diploma in Health Education
and Promotion undergoing a research study on “Influence of Culture and
Ignorance toward Malnutrition among the Infants in Ingawa Local
Government”.

Your cooperation in supplying the following information will be highly

appreciated and treated with confidentiality.

Tick the appropriate boxes provided or specify where necessary pleases.

SECTION A
1. Age: 18-25 ( ) 26-35 ( )
2. Sex: Male ( ) Female ( )
3. Marital Status: Married ( ) Single ( ) Divorced ( )
4. Educational Status: Formal ( ) Informal ( )

41
 SECTION B
1. Does malnutrition has a complication?
a. Yes ( ) b. No ( )
2. How often do you come with case of malnutrition?
a. Often ( ) c. Rare ( )
b. Very often d. Very rare
3. Do you think the incidence of malnutrition has increased in the world?
a. Yes ( ) b. No ( ) c. Don’t Know
4. Does the incidence of malnutrition affect only children?
a. Yes ( ) b. No ( )
5. Do you believe that lack of awareness among mothers on weaning plan
can also lead infants to malnutrition?
a. Yes ( ) b. No ( )
6. Is any of your children your children died of malnutrition?
a. Yes ( ) b. No ( )
7. Ignorance can causes malnutrition in children?
a. Yes ( ) b. No ( )
8. Does the malnutrition be care?
a. Yes ( ) b. No ( )
9. Do you belief that poverty can cause malnutrition in child?
a. Yes ( ) b. No ( )
10.Is there any of your children suffers from malnutrition?
a. Yes ( ) b. No ( )
11.How can malnutrition be diagnosed?
b. Physical Examination ( )
c. Laboratory Investigation ( )
d. History Taking ( )

42
12.Do you think that the incidence can be prevented?
a. Yes ( ) b. No ( )
13.Do you think lack of education can be the major causes of malnutrition?
a. Yes ( ) b. No ( )
14.Do you agree that improper breast feeding can lead to infant malnutrition
in the society?
a. Yes ( ) b. No ( )
15.Does malnutrition has high morbidity and mortality rate?
a. Yes ( ) b. No ( )

43