FACTORS RESPONSIBLE TO HIGH INCIDENCE OF

NUTRITIONAL DISEASE AMONG CHILDREN FROM 0-5 YEARS

(A CASE STUDY OF MASKA WARD OF FUNTUA LOCAL

GOVERNMENT KATSINA STATE)

BY

AISHA INUWA AHMAD

19/HPKK/018

A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES, KANKIA IRO SCHOOL
OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY, KATSINA STATE

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE

AWARD OF NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN HEALTH EDUCATION
AND PROMOTION BY WEST AFRICAN HEALTH EXAMINATION
BOARD (WAHEB)

DECEMBER, 2020
 DECLARATION

I Aisha Inuwa Ahmad declared that this research work entitled “Factors

Responsible to high incidence of nutritional Disease among children

from 0-5 years” A case study of Maska Ward of Funtua Local

Government; Katsina State has been performed by me under the

supervision of Mal. Sanusi Umar Radda. The information derived from the

literature has been duly acknowledged in the text and list of provided. No art

of this work was previously presented for another college.

_____________________ ______________________________
Aisha Inuwa Ahmad Sign and Date

ii
 APPROVAL PAGE

This is to certify and approved that this project titled “Factors Responsible

to high incidence of nutritional Disease among children from 0-5 years”.

A case study of Maska ward of Funtua Local Government was written by

Aisha Inuwa Ahmad a student of Environmental Health Department,

Health Education and Promotion, Kankia Iro School of Health Technology

Kankia

___________________________ _________________________
PROJECT SUPERVISOR SIGN AND DATE

___________________________ _________________________
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT SIGN AND DATE

___________________________ _________________________
EXTERNAL SUPERVISOR SIGN AND DATE

iii
 DEDICATION

This research work is dedicated to my beloved father (Inuwa) may his gentle

soul rest in peace and Jannatul Firdausi be is final destination and guidance

to my talented lecturers yielded themselves and their substances in support

to Almighty Allah to bless and spare the lives for me. Amin Summa Amin

iv
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In the name of Allah (SWT) the most gracious and the most merciful, to

Almighty Allah be the glory and honour he who made everything possible

and simple for us up to the day of resurrection and in our life circumstances.

Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon our awesome Prophet Muhammad

(SAW) and his family with his companions of his four guided Caliphates

thus, Abubakar, Umar, Usman and Aliyu (RA) may Allah bless them and

those who follows their right steps until the day of judgment.

My special thanks goes to my able father (Inuwa) may gentle soul rest in

perfect peace (RIP) and my mother Zainab Ahmad (Adda) for their awesome

contribution to the successful completion of my study, may Allah (SWT)

reward them abundantly and may Jannatul Firdausi be their final destination.

My profound thanks and appreciations goes to my uncle Danladi Ahmed and

his wife Salamatu Danladi (Aunty) for their wholly responsible and

contributions to the realization of my dream vision and long journey may

Allah (SWT) bless them and reward them with Jannatul Firdausi Ameen

Summa Ameen.

v
My special beams of thanks goes to my respectable sisters and brothers thus,

Isma’il, Adam, Aunty Zainab, Aunty Hajiya, Maryam and Hauwa’u, Farouk,

Hassan & Hussain may Allah bless and reward them abundantly.

My thanks goes to Aisha Inuwa Muhammaad (Aunty Hajiya) for her

contribution and advices and for been responsible to my study may Allah

bless her and reward her abundantly.

My special beams of thanks goes to my supervisor Malam Sanusi Umar

(Radda) HOD Environmental Health Sciences, School of Health Technology

Kankia Katsina State, for his awesome contribution to the successful

completion of this huge work may Allah reward him abundantly.

My thanks goes to Aisha Ahmed (Aunty Police) for her contribution for the

successful completion of my study may Allah reward her abundantly.

I wanted to take a moment to thank Auwal Musa Maska (Son) for all the

support he had shown to me throughout my academic career, particularly

during my project. You have always been someone I could call my mentor.

What means the most to me is that you do more than tell me I am “great” at

what I do, or that I am a shoe in for an opportunity, you think so, sometimes

it seems like you remember my achievements even better than I do myself. I

always appreciate your ability to see how my talents can make a difference

vi
and you have made me believe tool for your support to me, I always feel

more confident and capable and for that I will be grateful.

To end my thanks goes to my throughout friends whose are very kind and

generous to me throughout my study like: Aminatu Ishaq Karofi (Sis Luv),

Aisha Bala (Aunty Aisha), Sa’adatu Usman (Auty Sa’a), Amina Sha’aban

(Daughter), Rukayya Kabir Usman (Rukyn Katsina), Aisha Bashir Dan Iyau

(Shooly), Sa’adatu Bashir Dan Iyau (Sweety), Sa’adatu Amin (Sa’attah),

Sadiya Dauda (Sady), Usman Lawal (Qanee), Abubakar Bello (Cripple),

Dadiqu Kabir (Captain), Fatima Adbullahadi (Teemahn Daura), Muhammad

Musa (Ya Muhamman), Muneerat Munir and those that are numerous to

mention here but contribute directly or indirectly toward the realization of

my dreams vision and long journey may Allah return mercy upon them all

Ameen Summa Ameen.

vii
 TABLE OF CONTENT

Title Page - - - - - - - - - i
Declaration - - - - - - - - - ii
Approval Page - - - - - - - - iii
Dedication - - - - - - - - - iv
Acknowledgement - - - - - - - - v
Table of content - - - - - - - - viii
Abstract - - - - - - - - - x
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 General Introduction - - - - - - 1
1.1 Statement of the Problem - - - - - 3
1.2 Objective of the Study - - - - - - 5
1.3 Significance of the Study - - - - - 5
1.4 Research Questions - - - - - - 6
1.5 Limitations of the Study - - - - - - 7
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review - - - - - - - 8
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Methodology (Research Design) - - - - 20
3.1 Historical Background of the study - - - - 20
3.2 Maska in colonial period - - - - - - 21
3.3 Transfer of capital town of the Area to Funtua - - 22
3.4 Instrument for data collection - - - - - 27
3.5 Validity and responsibility of the instrument - - - 28

viii
 CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Data Analysis and result discussion - - - - 29
4.0.1 Sex of the respondent - - - - - - 29
4.0.2 Age of the respondent - - - - - - 29
4.0.3 Marital status of the respondents- - - - - 30
4.0.4 Educational background of the respondents - - - 30
4.0.5 Occupation of the respondents - - - - - 30
4.0.6 Views of the respondents on nutritional disease - - 31
4.0.7 Ways respondents know about nutritional disease - - 32
4.0.8 Factor respondents for the incidence of nutritional disease 33
4.0.9 Ignorance and Poverty of people and nutritional disease - 33
4.0.10Role of poor meal planning and nutritional education - 34
4.0.11 Roles of government on curtailing the incidence of nutritional disease 34

4.0.12Types of nutrition disease - - - - - 35

4.0.13Roles of health centers - - - - - - 35
4.0.14Weaning and introduction of supplementary food - - 36
4.015 Tradition and customs of people and nutritional disease - 36
4.0.16Role of information system - - - - - 36
4.0.17Possible ways of controlling nutritional disease - - 37
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Findings - - - - - - - - 38
5.1 Recommendation - - - - - - - 42
5.2 Summary and conclusion - - - - - - 44
Reference - - - - - - - - - 47
Questionnaire- - - - - - - - - 48

ix
 ABSTRACT

This project will kindly illustrate the factors responsible for high incidence
of nutritional diseases among children from 0-5 years at Maska ward of
Funtua Local Government Area Katsina State. The purpose of this research
is to find out major causes of nutritional disease among children within the
area of study, to identify various types of nutritional disease among children
within the area of study, to ascertain the prevalence of those diseases and
there effect among children, to offer suggestions and recommended on
various ways that nutritional disease could be controlled and prevented
within the area of study and to health educate the general public especially
parents on the important of nutritional to children. Five research questions
were formulated and questionnaire was used in obtaining the relevant data
on this project work is in which questions related to the topic were asked, so
that's the respondent can choose from the alternative answers of their
choice, likewise various textbook and journals were also used so as to
emphasis the project work. At the same time one hundred and ten
questionnaire were prepared for distribution to the public. At the end of this
research work recommendations were drawn to both the government and
the general public at large in order to effectively control and deal
nutritional disease among children

x
 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 GENERAL INTRODUCTION

The incidence of malnutrition diseases among children in developed

communities is high these disease bring I'll health, disability, etc.. this cause

us due to low standard of living poor meal planning, inadequate community

water supply, that is to make it possible for the growth of various diseases to

invade children.

One of the major contribution factor to nutritional disease among children is

poverty, which is responsible for insufficient supply of nutritional food

especially protein, that parent to give children whatever comes their way

either wholesome or not, children are placed on starchy Food, could not get

the best of nutrition food e.g. fish, meal, egg, etc.

Ignorance of people especially with regard to buying of food, they prepared

less value food, while on the other hand large share of nutritional food goes

to the head of the family, instead of the children, this practice contribution

more to the incidence of nutritional disease among children, e.g.

Kwashiorkor, Marasmus which almost common within the rural

communities of the area of study.

1
Poor meal planning contribute greatly toward the incident of nutritional

disease this could be seen that, a balance diet help to maintain optimum

mental development and good health of children. The amount of a balance

diet to be provided to people varies from one individual to another, due to

poor planning and distribution matter often give a large share of proteinous

food like meat, fish and eggs to the head of the family not knowing that

children are those that are in need of high share of nutritional food.

Still another factor worth noticing is food protection in Maska of Funtua

Local Government has almost changed, now farmers living within the area

of study prepared to produce cash crops like cotton instead of food crops like

potatoes, beans and green leafy vegetables, this contribution to the incidence

of nutritional disease among children.

Poor public health education is another factor responsible for the day

incidences of nutritional disease among children, due to laxity of health

personal to educate parents, especially mothers on the important of good

breast feeding as the protection of child will have against nutritional disease,

and the important of balance diet to children contribution to the continue of

nutritional disease among children.

2
Still another contribution factor towards the incidence of nutritional disease

among children is poor environmental diseases among children is poor

suitable for the continue circle of helminthes, this worms contribution

immensely to the incidence of nutritional disease among children.

Conclusively, controlling nutritional disease required active support of

government, NGOs and community participation in determining the needs

and development of strategies of meeting them especially in the area of the

past can be traced to the lack of government concern especially in the field

of health educating and food production. Also nutritional education should

be included in primary and past primary school curriculum and should be

accorded serious attention.

1.1 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The incidence of nutritional disease especially among children in Maska of

Funtua Local Government Area has become possible and continuously

going on due to many reasons that contributed to the problem.

1. The most important problem is poverty which contribution to

nutritional disease among children in the area of study which is responsible

for insufficient supply of nutritional food especially protein.

3
2. Another problem worth noticing is ignorant of people buying the

wrong type of food; they may prepare costly foods which are of less food

value to drop and rapidly available food, thinking that the quality of food

depends on the cost.

3. Still another problem worth noticed is in the care of food production,

now almost farmers living within the area of study, prepare to produce cash

crop like cotton instead of food crops like potatoes, beans and green leafy

vegetables.

4. Another problems worth noticing is lack of proper home and

community hygiene, due to laxity of government in improving sanitation,

the soil become suitable for the continue life cycle of helminthes, this can be

clearly be seen in poor refused disposal and handling of sewage this worms

contribute immensely of sewage, this worms contribute immensely to cause

diseases that lead to nutritional disease.

5. Poor public health education is another problem worth noticing, is due

to inability of health personnel to educate on the important of good breast

feeding to children.

4
 1.2 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

i. To find out major causes of nutritional disease among children within

the area of study.

ii. To identify various types of nutritional disease among children within

the area of study.

iii. To ascertain the prevalence of those diseases and there effect among
children.

iv. To offer suggestions and recommended on various ways that

nutritional disease could be controlled and prevented within the area of study

v. To educate the general public especially parents on the important of

nutritional to children.

1.3 SIGNIFICANT OF THE STUDY

The most important issues in designing any projects is serve as an identity of

particular problem, therefore, this project after successful completion, it

would help government, the health personnel, NGOs and public at large

interested in factor responsible for high incidences of nutritional disease

among children.

Also this project would assist any management, students or any individual

who wish to conduct research which is broader and wider the scope than this

one.

5
 1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

i. Does ignorance and poverty of people have any significant among

role towards incidence of nutritional disease among children?

ii. Do you believe poor meal planning and nutritional education can

contribute to the nutritional disease among children?

iii. Does early weaning of children and introduction of supplementary

food to children can cause nutritional disease to children?

iv. Can traditional and customs of people towards nutritional promote the

incidence of nutritional diseases?

v. Do you believe lack of information systems to measure nutritional

status of children within the area of study can contribute to nutritional

disease?

1.5 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

6
This project focused on the factors responsible for high of nutritional disease

among children, their causes, preventive measures and to educate the general

public on the importance of good nutrition to children.

In the first place, the research is supposed to cover a large area beyond

Maska of Funtua Local Government but large area to financial constraints

which effect transpiration from one place to another to acquire all the

project, the research has to be limited to Maska of Funtua Local Government

which serve as a case study.

Secondly, is the unavailability of time, which makes it possible for the

research to expand the study beyond the area of study?

However, despite the above stated problem and others the research was

successful conducting and all important derived in the process concerning

the topic of discussions was clearly put into writing and coming with this

project.

CHAPTER TWO

7
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

INTRODUCTION

This chapter is mainly concerned with the writing and saying of other i.e.

authors, experts extracted in some specific text books, journals in line with

the topic under discussions.

Therefore, nutrition as defined by Mark, C.P et-al, (1974174) as the "process

concerning with the growth maintenance and repair of the living body as a

whole and its constituent parts".

The definition clearly indicated the facts that, health and nutrition is

something much wider than wider than more intake of sufficient food. It

required not only a sufficient and properly balanced diet but also a healthy,

receptive and responding body. Therefore, people should understand that,

nutrition and children health are inseparable, good nutrition provide

requirements necessary for growth, health are repaired and production, a

well nourishment child is more resistance to diseases than one who is

malnourished.

One of the major causes of nutritional disease among children within Maska

ward of Funtua Local Government is poverty and ignorance. Michael, D. et-

al (1991-61) and Hanson, C. et-al (2000:41) they all agreed that "Poverty
8
especially among the family lack of education on what children to eat, this

increase the use of sugar or refined starch that lack of essential protein or

vitamins, poor method of cooking could be a major contribution factors to

nutritional disease"

From the above statement this clearly indicated the facts that the people

living within Maska ward of Funtua Local Government should appreciate

the potential health problems associated with poverty and ignorance because

with the constant of poverty. Children could not get adequate protein, many

can survive, but their physical and mental development can be affected, the

need of people to raise the standing of their living in order to promote

adequate nutritional.

In adequate information on health services system can promote the incidence

of nutritional disease among children in Maska ward.

While head, R. et-al (2001:167) shed more light on that "in most

development countries, it is difficult to measure the health status of the

community, medical records and health information systems are usually

inadequate, being full of errors and emissions. It should also be stated that

nutritional disease are the major causes of high morbidity and mortality

rates, which are either preventable by simple measures of good nutrition".

9
This challenge rest upon the people living within Funtua Local Government

and professional personnel to understand that one way of measuring the

status of a community as a whole could be by measuring the number of case

of nutritional disease, the need to educate people on the important of good

nutrition has more significant impact to children than number of pediatric

beds in a community like Funtua Local Government, this is what is

happening in our community when government build hospitals clinic and

dispensaries does it make sense to treat people suffering from a particular

diseases and send them back to the same environment that will make them

sick.

In a research carried out at the food science applied nutritional unit of Ibadan

(1994:6) it has shown that "infants that are adequate nourished by breast

milk during the first 3-4 month of their lives, the rates of their growth with

in most cases better than those infants in Britain and America, but with

constant threat of poverty and ignorance nutritional disease set in, with the

introduction of traditional supplements of food by the age of 5-6 months.

These food spread made from maize, millet, sorghum and other careless one

rich in carbohydrates, while in areas where breast feeding is stopped early

Marasmus is seen in these children before the end of their First year of life".

10
From the above statement this is a clear challenging that rest upon the

teaming population of Maska ward of Funtua Local Government to

understand that poverty has a significant effect promotion nutritional disease

within their communities and in same vein, poor breastfeeding among

children especially in the first year of life, because a successful period of

breastfeeding is the best diseases in future, while introduction of

supplementary food is increasing the nutritional disease to invade children.

Not only the constraints of poverty or poor breastfeeding among children in

Funtua Local Government.

According to professor, M.A (1997-17) she'd more light that "the present

population of Nigeria is about 200 million people with a birth rate between

35-40 per thousand, this between 25000,000 and 2,000,000 children delivery

every year of those, 70,000 and 80,400 will die of nutritional disease before

they reach the age of 4-6 years. The number of malnourished children born

every year will suffer from other nutritional disease like xepophathalmia etc.

of conditions that needs not happen in this country. It is realized that the

present state of nutritional in Nigeria, the gravity of the incidence among

children within is attributed to:

a. A low intake of kilometers in most areas

b. A low intake of protein in all areas

11
c. A low intake of specific vitamins in scattered localities, vitamins A in

some areas membranes of vitamin B group in others.

d. A low intake of some mineral such as iodine resulting in anemic goiter

iron deficiency causing anemia and others

From the above statement which has clearly shows that, lack of proper

nutritional disease among children in Funtua Local Government. In other

words, lack of protein rich food both animal and vegetables such as meat,

fish, eggs, tomatoes, beans and peanuts, while on the other hand farmers

within the rural communities of Funtua Local Government prepared to

produce cash crops than food crop and food taboos can attributes to the same

vein, it is believed and rightly too, that is food nutritional is the best

prevention medicine for children and to keep children healthy it is believed

and rightly too that good nutritional is the best preventive medicine for

children and to keep children Healthy it is important that they should eat

good balanced mixed diet, with an adequate amount of all the different

types of food.

Ayelaw, A. (2004-12) in daily trust newspaper vol. 336 Feb, 2004 further

express that "Nigeria has been listed amount that ten countries with the

largest number of children weight such in Africa, out of the total 146 million

in the world, 106 million amount to 73% who live in just countries which
12
Nigeria, belong, the average annual rate of reduction in underweight

prevalence of 2.2% is insufficient to meet the target of the first millennium

development goal by 2015, with 6 million children under five years beings

underweight Nigeria dominates the regional statistics.

The statement above present itself as a challenge to tropical countries and

people within the area of study to appreciate the potential health problems

associated with nutritional disease, or at least health educating the people

especially these in rural area on how to embark on producing nutritional

food for the benefit of their against nutritional disease in children is the

problem today in the world. This is more like in developed communities like

Funtua Local Government with lower standard of living poor nutritional

education and outdated nutritional habit.

Still in formal lunch of reports progress for children a report card on

nutritional in Abuja the country representing of the UNICEF on May 2005,

11" in Nigeria protein energy and micronutrient (vitamins A and iodine)

malnutrition is still unacceptable high which results is over 100,000 infants

death due to suboptimal breast death feeding practice alone over 200,000

children health to PEM, other death case include over 80,000 due to

inadequate of vitamins A, over 6000 materials death due to iron deficiency

13
children with anemia with a total loss of over 700billion incurred as results

of iodine deficiency child stunning and iron anemia in women".

From the above statement this is a clear challenging that rest upon the

professional health personnel in Funtua Local Government to understand to

understand and fine and find a possible way of education the terminal

population of the area, at the important of nutritional at practice. In the same

vein, basic good nutritional to children will definitely improve their status

and discourage intake of drugs, it will promote the health and vitality and

decrease the amount of money spent on medication, because good nutritional

has a lot of health benefits in the sense that it improves and provide or

indirect remedies against diseases. Good nutritional maintain or improve the

quality of sleep, improve recovery time from the quality of sleep, improve

recovery time from disease or injury as well as increased energy mood and

being of children.

There are various disease associated with nutritional among children in

Maska ward of Funtua Local Government for instance malnutrition

Marasmus, etc. all the countries bite greatly towards child morbidity cases.

Denis, B. et-al (1996-155) emphasis more fact, malnutrition affect the

cellular immunity in body dependent against measles, TB, diarrhea,

14
malnutrition causes the mucosal of the intestine to be replaced more

diarrhea. All these disease are no longer serious disease in advance industrial

countries, this is primary rate because especially in Asia, Africa,

malnutrition is 400 times higher than wealthy countries.

The above statement is clearly indicated that malnutrition tend to increase

the serenity of an infected may became worse, this people simple ways of

saying that nutritional disease affected children health therefore people

living within Funtua Local Government should understand that, the

incidence of these disease is due to lack of proper nutritional and they can

affect children in various ways.

The incidence of malnutrition Marasmus is another nutritional problem

within Funtua Local Government. Emanuel B. (2001-406) furthermore

express this "nutritional Marasmus is a similar disease to kwashiorkor but is

more common in children between the ages of 1-5 years. This is due to

starvation and under feeding or several case and neglect. Marasmus child

shows greater appreciate, less subcutaneous fat, but is alert with no oedema

or skin trouble and this nutritional disease effect more than 30% of the world

five years old children about 192 million but the prevalence is reused due to

population growth.

15
From the statement above this is a clear indication that nutritional Marasmus

is due to lack of proper nutritional and hungers are most important factor

causing nutritional Marasmus in Funtua Local Government. While on the

other hand nutritional is such part of child bearing, especially in the tropic

and that parent in Funtua Local Government should make it a point to know

the problem of nutritional disease and in case of doubt parents should seek

medical advice. Furthermore, not only nutritional Marasmus is common

disease associated with nutritional in Funtua Local Government,

kwashiorkor is of greatly important towards the incidence of nutritional

disease in Funtua Local Government.

Alison, W. et-al (1957-211) Handy, A. et-al (200-180) they all agreed that

"kwashiorkor is a disease occurs mainly in children 1-4 years of age.

It occurs in children who diet deficient in protein. In Africa and especially in

Nigeria, it is a disease of the poor and early warning of children, when a

child is taken from the breast to a starchy food such as gruel, millet, maize,

and cassava products.

The statement above clearly present a challenge to the people living in

Funtua Local Government to understand that, kwashiorkor is a factor which

hinged children to progress in all aspects feeding among children should be

16
encouraged because is most important step toward controlling and

preventing nutritional disease because it has knowledge, to look to the new

scientific discoveries such as the latest vaccines and medicine to reduce

child death and very best way to ensure children grow up healthy is through

traditional practice and costing nothing breast feeding.

Still lack of efficient vitamins A among children contribution greatly

towards the incidence of malnutrition diseases among children in Funtua

Local Government;

According to WHO and UNICEF technical report series volume, 1 no. 336

of November 2000 it emphasized that "apart from data on protein

malnutrition vitamins A, more than quarter of a million children are

estimated to go blind every year due to a deficiency of vitamin A, and some

14 million currently exhibit sign of children xerothalmia ranging from

dryness to serve alternative and at least 50 million more children have

deficient vitamins A body stores which comprised their health and reduce

their chances of survival, the report stress that recent improving of vitamin a

status of both deficient and healthy children in pain population six months to

Six years of age contribution significantly to decreasing the risk of

morbidity.

17
This is a clear evidence that vitamin A nutritional problem which affects

children, directly or indirectly. Therefore, people living within the area of

study should understand that, children need all major classes of food for

necessary growth, tissue replacement and protection against certain diseases

especially those rich in vitamins, this include green leafy vegetables, palm

oil, fish, carrot, all which are essential and common in Funtua Local

Government and at subsided cost. We have to seriously understand that if

children in Funtua Local Government diet contain insufficient qualities of

vitamins A, they may become permanently blind.

Xerosis may develop, followed by, xerothalmia in softening of cornea,

performance and infection of eye ball many children suffer with difficulty of

survival, and it's a fact that in poor communities and in times of hardship for

everyone, a handicapped child usually suffers most while at these could be

prevented easily with adequate green vegetables.

This report further expression this view that "iodine deficiency disorder is

the greatest worldwide cause brain damage in children at times to infants is

currently a significant problems of 118 countries including Nigeria. Thus 35

million children live in iodine deficiency environment and are therefore at

risk of 100 while 5.5 million children actually have goiter.

18
From the above statement is clearly indicated that malnutrition has arranged

diseases, therefore, in order to control these disease in Funtua Local

Government, there should be specific and clearly government policy on

promotion, and at the sometime people living in Funtua Local Government

must increasing food production particularly animal protein by improving

modern farming techniques and utilizing protein from animal and plants.

Conclusively, the task of providing an adequate food supplies required

increasing community participation in food production, this is one of the

major ways of improving nutritional. Because as food supplies and decrease

population and increase ever now and then, moreover, farmers should

increase the production of protein foods in Funtua Local Government in

other to meet the proteinous food demand of the teeming population of the

local government.

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

19
3.0 RESEARCH DESIGN

The research was carrying out in order to find out the major causes of

nutritional disease among children type and prevalence of those diseases as

well as to offer suggestions and recommendations on various ways that

nutritional disease could be controlled and prevented and to advocate the

general public especially parents on the important of good nutrition to

children.

3.1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Maska area lies between 11' 06' 45" N and longitude 007' 08' 7.23' E. Maska

area boarded to the south west by Dandume local government Area, and to

the south by Kaduna state.

It is thus, situated at the extreme end of Katsina state of Nigeria, Maska

town which has been the capital of the area (known as Kasar Maska) up to

1924 is statically location in the heart of Hausa land in Funtua Local

Government Area of Katsina State Nigeria. Maska town is about 53

kilometers north of Zaria and 20 kilometers south of Kankia. Its territorial

extent varies overtime changes and circumstances warranted, it was known

for instance, as Maska region in the middle aged, as Maska area in Caliphal

Epoch, Maska district in the colonial period and Maska village unit in the

post - colonial period. The area is an open, rolling Savannah plain 1,500 fact

20
about sea level broken occasionally by thickly wooden water course with a

number of inselbergs coming out prominently above the plains. The soil of

the area is dark clay-loamy type generally known as Laka. The average

annual rainfall of the area is between 40-50 inches. Series of watershed of

the rivers exist flowing in all directions. Some of which from broad mashes

which gives excellent pasturage for cattle all the year round and rich soils for

farming. A prominent feature of the area is the existence of several food and

economic tree such as locust bean (Dorawa) Sheaniet (Kadanya), Boabab

(Kuka), Tamarind (Tsamiya), Ebony (Kanya), Mahogany (Madachi). To

mention but a few

3.2 MASKA IN THE COLONIAL PERIOD

The defeat of sultan Attahiru at Burni in 1903 by the British colonial forces
bought to an end the Sokoto caliphate in line with British colonial policy of
individual rule, however, all the existence traditional rules were to be left
unless when they refused to compromise with British colonial wishes and
aspirations. Maximization of tax return was an Emir or a district head could
not bring the allowed tax in his domain such as a roller would be accused of
gross irregulations and instantly deposed. This was what happened to Sarkin
Maska Halilu who together with the district heads of Kaura and Fauwa was
deposed in December, 1910. Constantly Abdullahi Dan Galadima, the son
the, then Galadima of Katsina was appropriate the district head of Maska in
the same year to succeed the deposed Sarkin Maska. But in 1915, Abdullahi
Dan Galadima was also accused of defalcating of taxes and therefore

21
deposed in June the same year Shehu a brother to Sarkin Maska Halilu was
appointed Sarkin Maska in the same year.

3.3 TRANSFER OF CAPITAL TOWN OF THE AREA TO FUNTUA

Before 1915, the settlement that came to be known as Funtua was composed

only some few homesteads. However with the establishment of a cotton

crossing the site from about the same time particularly the Katsina Kankara-

Maska and the Mahuta-Bakori roads in Both in 1915; coming of the railway

from Zaria passing through the site to Husaini in the same year and the

establishment of several European firms all lead to the massive exodus of

people to settle and exploit the opportunities offered there. Consequently,

the settlement began to over show MASKA town and all the other town and

village in the area. Earlier in 1915, a village head was appointed to the

settlement. The British colonial administration also made Funtua its capital

of the district or area and asked Sarkin Maska to the same. The event leading

to this development in actually fact began in 1925 in that year governor of

Northern region suggested to the Emir of Katsina Muhammadu Dikko to

build a house in Funtua the work on the building commenced in September

1926 and by February, 1927 it had been completely.

With the ascension of Sambo to the throne as Sarkin Maska in 1927, the

British colonial government through the emir of Katsina suggestions him to

22
move his place to Funtua prior to this time Sarkin Maska Shehu (1915-

1927), used to stay with one Malam Garba whenever there was an important

visitor or special occasion in funtua for which he was expected to be present.

1927, therefore, Sarkin Maska Sambo (1927-1963) built his place near the

cross road (i.e.. the now central round about) with a new Friday mosque and

prison adjacent to it. Hence the Sarki together with his family, client

including courtier and all occupational Chiefs move out of their old

traditional town. However, from there on Maska town ceased to be the

capital of the area with Funtua taking its place. The town the numerous

satellite towns, village and homesteads become a village unit with the

creation of division in the 1960s and the local government reforms in the

1960s and local government reforms in the 1970s and 1980s in the country.

It is pertinent at this junction, however, to emphasize that the people of

Maska area embank on many community projects through history there in

particular, right from beginning up to the colonial period played important

role in this respect. Through their works superintendents (Sarakunan

Ayyuka). They mobilize the people in public works such as roads

construction and clearance, construction of market stall, state houses and

other public buildings, religion houses (i.e. Mosque) etc. all these were

done for their society developed, progress and their general welfare.

23
The following people rules Maska right from Pre-jihad up to date.

S/N NAME DATE YEAR

1. Sarkin Maska Bako 1484-1494 9Years
2. Sarkin Maska Jatau 1494-1522 28Years
3. Sarkin Maska Alfaida 1522-1575 53Years
4. Sarkin Maska Danmaje 1575-1594 19Years
5. Sarkin Maska Dankyaka 1594-1624 30Years
6. Sarkin Maska Dankyaka 1624-1642 18Years
7. Sarkin Maska Mai Rabo 1642-1677 35Years
8. Sarkin Maska Ahmed 1677-1705 20Years
9. Sarkin Maska Idris 1705-1734 29Years
10. Sarkin Maska Balarabe 1734-1779 45Years
11. Sarkin Maska Birgije 1779-1810 31Years
12. Sarkin Maska Gudindi 1810-1817 7Years
13. Sarkin Maska Danbawo 1817-1820 3Years
14. Sarkin Maska Mohammed Jaji 1821-1832 11Years
15. Sarkin Maska Mohammad Sani 1832-1865 33Years
16. Sarkin Maska Abubakar 1865-1873 8Years
17. Sarkin Maska Nuhu 1873-1876 3Years
18. Sarkin Maska Umaru 1876-1884 8Years
19. Sarkin Maska Halilu 1884-1910 19Years
20. Sarkin Maska Abdullahi Dan Magajiya 1910-1915 5Years
21. Sarkin Maska Shehu I 1915-1927 12Years
22. Sarkin Maska Muhammad Sambo 1927-1963 36Years
23. Sarkin Maska Shehu II 1963-1968 5Years

POPULATION OF THE MASKA WARD

The total population of Maska 15,000 among which there were 2,700

children less than years, 1,200 boys and 2000 were girls and there were three

health facilities and 4,100 houses in the community (national population

census, 2006).

ETHNIC COMPOSITION

24
The majority and most popular ethnic groups of the area are Fulani and

Hausa (Maska District office).

RELIGION

All the indigenes of the area are Muslims, and there are Christians sellers.

TRANSPORTATION

The transportation means of the area are motor cars, motorcycle and bicycle.

OCCUPATION

The people of Maska ward are mostly farmers; others include business men,

civil servant and driving especially among youth

AGRICULTURE

Maska ward that has a conducive land for farming agriculture products like

maize, guinea corn, beans, soya beans and finish vegetables especially

during dry season.

SCHOOL COMPOSITION

Different school are located in Maska ward, the school comprises both

Islamic and modern types.

14 Islamic schools

7 Primary Schools

3 Junior Secondary Schools

2 Senior Secondary Schools

25
1 Almajiri boarding school which is newly introduced by the federal

government

HEALTH CARE DELIVERY

The attainment of health facilities is the most important step towards the

achievement of prosperity and general developed. The philosophy is what

seen to informed the principal and programmed of Funtua Local

Government towards health care delivery. Since its inception, Funtua Local

Government, the area has about 25 Medical Institute which includes one

General hospital and other various health centers, Funtua Local Government

is trying is best towards training of man power financially both medical and

paramedical personnel into higher education.

COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Funtua Local Government has electricity power supply from the (KEDCO)

and also it has several police station, post office, restaurants and video

centers. Interns of community effort towards the development of the area,

there were about thirteen youth and sport clubs.

TOURISM POTENTIALS

The local government is one of the tourism attractive areas in Katsina state.

The name Funtua as mention earlier is derived from the rocks, they are still

26
available for the tourism while in the area of water small and large dams are

available for tourism to be kept busy for the whole day.

3.4 SAMPLE AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

Four communities were selected to be sample size of my research among the

communities living in Funtua Local Government; these are Funtua, Maska,

Dantudo and Dan Abi. The sampling techniques adopted in the sample

selecting are simple random sampling method so as to compile the work

successfully.

3.5 INSTRUMENT FOR DATA COLLECTION

The instruments used in obtaining the relevant data on this project work is

questionnaire in which questions related to the topic were asked, so that's the

respondent can choose from the alternative answers of their choice, likewise

various textbook and journals were also used so as to emphasis the project

work. At the same time one hundred and ten questionnaire were prepared for

distribution to the public.

3.6 VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE INSTRUMENT

For the instrument to be valid and reliable questionnaire designed and

prepared was thoroughly real and screen by the project supervisor, who

27
authorized the distribution of the questionnaire appropriately, at the same

time ten questionnaire were used for pre-test and one hundred were

distributed to the respondent and all the one hundred questionnaire were file

correctly and returned.

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULT DISCUSSION

28
Below is the result of data collection from the questionnaire, one hundred

(100) were printed and distributed to the respondents and all he one hundred

questionnaire were filled correctly and returned to me in order therefore the

analysis is based on one hundred questionnaire.

Table 4.0.1 SEX OF THE RESPONDENT

SEX NO. OF RESPONSES PERCENTAGE
Male 40 40%
Female 60 60%
Total 100 100%

This table indicates 40% of the respondents are male and 60% of the
respondents are females.
Table 4.0.2 AGE THE RESPONDENT
AGE NO. OF RESPONSES PERCENTAGE
18-25 21 21%
26-32 36 36%
33-40 31 31%
41-Above 12 12%
Total 100 100%

This table indicates that 21% of the respondent are between the of 18-
25years, 36% of the respondent are between the age of 26-32years, and 31%
of the respondent are between the age of 33-40years, while 12% of the
respondent are between the age of 41 and above.

Table 4.0.3 MARITAL STATUS OF THE RESPONDENT

MARITAL STATUS NO. OF RESPONSES PERCENTAGE
Single 3 7%
Married 97 97%
Total 100 100%

29
The table deals with the marital status of the respondent, are single 3% and
97% of the respondent are married couples.

Table 4.0.4 EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND OF THE

RESPONDENTS
EDUCATION NO. OF RESPONSES PERCENTAGE
Formal 49 49%
Informal 51 51%
Total 100 100%

The table indicate the educational qualification of the respondent, 49% of

the respondent have formal education while the 51% of the respondents have
informal education.

Table 4.0.5 OCCUPATION OF THE RESPONDENTS

OCCUPATION NO. OF RESPONSES PERCENTAGE
Civil servant 9 9%
Business 3 3%
Farming 13 13%
Other 74 74%
Total 100 100%
This table indicated 9% of the respondents are civil servant 3% of the
respondent are business men, 13% of the respondent are farmers while 74%
of the respondent are others.
Table 4.0.6 VIEWS OF THE RESPONDENT ON NUTRITIONAL
DISEASE
ANSWER NO. OF RESPONSES PERCENTAGE
Yes 91 91%
No 9 9%
Total 100 100%

30
In this table 91% of the respondent believed they know something about
nutritional disease and 9% of the respondents said they don't know
something about nutritional disease.

Table 4.0.7 WAYS RESPONDENTS KNOW ABOUT NUTRITIONAL

DISEASES
ANSWER NO. OF RESPONSES PERCENTAGE
Through personal research 2 2%
Through the media 25 25%
Through public education 21 21%
Through personal experience 52 52%
Total 100 100%

The above table shows that 2% of the respondent believed they know
something about nutritional disease through personal research 25% of the
respondents know about nutritional diseases through the media, while 21%
of the respondents know about nutritional disease through public education
and 52% of the respondent know about nutritional diseases through personal
experience.
Table 4.0.8 FACTOR RESPONDENTS FOR THE INCIDENCE OF
NUTRITIONAL DISEASES: To your own understanding which the
following factors contribute to the incidence of nutritional diseases in your
community?
ANSWER NO. OF RESPONSES PERCENTAGE
Ignorance 10 10%
Poor meal planning 9 9%
Introduction of supplementary food 13 13%
Early weaning 7 7%
Tradition and customs 11 11%
Lack of information 8 8%
Poor personal and community hygiene 3 3%
All of the above 39 39%

31
Total 100 100%

The table shows 10% of the respondent indicated the cause of nutritional
disease and poverty 9% of the respondent stated poor meal planning is the
major causes of nutritional diseases,13% of the respondent indicated
introduction of supplementary food, 7% of the respondent indicated started
early weaning is the major causes, in the same vein 8% of the respondent
stated lack of information while 3% of the respondent attributed it to poor
personal and community hygiene and 39% of the respondent stated all the
above.
Table 4.0.9 IGNORANCE AND POVERTY OF PEOPLE AND
NUTRITIONAL DISEASES: Does ignorance and poverty of people have
any significant role towards the incidence of nutritional diseases among
children?
ANSWER NO. OF RESPONSES PERCENTAGE
Yes 91 91%
No 9 9%
Total 100 100%

This table shows 91% of the respondent agreed that ignorance and poverty
of the people contribution to the incidence of nutritional and 9% of the
respondent disagreed.
Table 4.0.10ROLE OF POOR MEAL PLANING AND NUTRITIONAL
EDUCATION: Do you believe poor meal planning and nutritional
education can contribute to incidence of nutritional diseases among
children?
ANSWER NO. OF RESPONSES PERCENTAGE
Yes 92 92%
No 8 8%
Total 100 100%

32
This table indicates 92% of the respondents agree poor meal planning and
nutritional education contribute to incidence of nutritional disease while 8%
of the respondents are against the statement.
Table 4.0.11 ROLES OF GOVERNMENT ON CURTAILING THE
INCIDENCE OF NUTRITIONAL DISEASES: Does government assist
your community towards curtailing the incidence of nutritional diseases?
ANSWER NO. OF RESPONSES PERCENTAGE
Yes 42 42%
No 58 58%
Total 100 100%
The table clearly shows that 42% of the respondent indicated government is
assisting them and 58% of the respondent stated the government is not
assisting them.
Table 4.0.12TYPES OF NUTRITIONAL DISEASES: Which among the
following nutritional diseases is common in your community?
ANSWER NO. OF RESPONSES PERCENTAGE
Kwashiorkor 39 39%
Nutritional Marasmus 43 43%
Exophthalmia 3 3%
Iodine deficiency disorders - -
Paligera - -
Vitamin C-D 15 15%
Total 100 100%

The table shows that 39% of the respondent indicated that kwashiorkor is the
common disease and 43% of the respondent stated exophthalmia and 15% of
the respondent stated vitamin D deficiency.
Table 4.0.13ROLES OF HEALTH CENTERS: Do your health center
promotes nutritional education?
ANSWER NO. OF RESPONSES PERCENTAGE
Yes 39 39%

33
No 61 61%
Total 100 100%

The table clearly shows 39% of the respondent believed their health centers
promote nutritional education and 61% of the respondent stated their health
centers do not promote nutritional education.

Table 4.0.14 WEANING AND INTRODUCTION OF

SUPPLEMENTARY FOOD: Does early weaning of children and
introduction of supplementary food to children can cause nutritional diseases
to children?
ANSWER NO. OF RESPONSES PERCENTAGE
Yes 91 40%
No 9 60%
Total 100 100%

This table clearly shows 91% of the respondent believed early weaning and
introduction of supplementary food to children can cause nutritional disease
and 9% of the respondent is against this statement.
Table 4.0.15 TRADITION AND CUSTOMS OF PEOPLE AND
NUTRITIONAL DISEASES:
ANSWER NO. OF RESPONSES PERCENTAGE
Yes 89 89%
No 11 11%
Total 100 100%

The table shows 89% of the respondent agreed traditional and customs of
people toward nutritional promote the incidence of nutritional disease 11%
of the respondent are against this statement.

34
Table 4.0.16 ROLE OF INFORMATION SYSTEM: Do you believe lack
of information system measure nutritional status of children within the area
of study can contributes to nutritional diseases?

ANSWER NO. OF RESPONSES PERCENTAGE

Yes 80 80%
No 20 20%
Total 100 100%

This table clearly shows 80% of the respondent believed lack of information
systems to measure nutritional status of children within the area of study can
contribute to a high incidence of nutritional disease and 20% of the
respondents are against this statement.
Table 4.0.17 POSSIBLE WAYS OF CONTROLLING NUTRITIONAL
DISEASE: In your own understanding in which among the following ways
that nutritional diseases could be controlling in your community.
ANSWER NO. OF RESPONSES PERCENTAGE
Provision of drugs 9 9%
Public health education 11 11%
Involvement of NGOs 3 3%
Promotion of nutritional food 15 15%
Improvement modern farming tech. 17 17%
Improvement of living condition 9 9%
Encourage breast feeding 10 10%
Encourage family planning 1 1%
Improve immunization 5 5%
All of the above 20 20%
Total 100 100%

This table clearly shows that 9% of the respondents are on the view that

provision of drugs will controlled nutritional diseases, 11% of the

respondent indicated that is not possible but the controlled could only be
35
possible with public health education, and 3% of the respondents indicated

their views involvement of NGOS is the best option, 15% of the respondent

stated promotion of nutritional food is the only possible way and 17% of the

respondents indicated improvement of modern farming technique, while 9%

of the respondent advice and encourage proper breastfeeding, 1% of the

respondents indicated that it's only through family planning that could be

possible, while 5% of the respondent indicated all of the above.

CHAPTER FIVE

36
5.0 FINDINGS

Table 4.0.1

This table indicates 40% of the respondents are male and 60% of the

respondent is females.

Table 4.0.2

This table indicates that 21% of the respondent are between the of 18-

25years, 36% of the respondent are between the age of 26-32years, and 31%

of the respondent are between the age of 33-40years, while 12% of the

respondent are between the age of 41 and above.

Table 4.0.3

The table deals with the marital status of the respondents are single and 97

of the respondent are married couples.

Table 4.0.4

The table indicate the educational qualification of the respondent, 49% of

the respondent have formal education while the 51% of the respondents have

informal education.

Table 4.0.5

This table indicated 9% of the respondents are civil servant 4% of the

respondent are business men, 13% of the respondent are farmers while 74%

of the respondent are others.

37
Table 4.0.6

In this table 91% of the respondent believed they know something about

nutritional disease and 9% of the respondents said they don't know

something about nutritional disease.

Table 4.0.7

The above table shows that 2% of the respondent believed they know

something about nutritional disease through personal research 25% of the

respondents know about nutritional diseases through the media, while 21%

of the respondents know about nutritional disease through public education

and 52% of the respondent know about nutritional diseases through personal

experience.

Table 4.0.8

The table shows 10% of the respondent indicated the cause of nutritional

disease and poverty 9% of the respondent stated poor meal planning is the

major causes of nutritional diseases,13% of the respondent indicated

introduction of supplementary food, 7% of the respondent indicated started

early weaning is the major causes, in the same vein 8% of the respondent

stated lack of information while 3% of the respondent attributed it to poor

personal and community hygiene and 39% of the respondent stated all the

above.

38
Table 4.0.9

This table shows 91% of the respondent agreed that ignorance and poverty

of the people contribution to the incidence of nutritional and 9% of the

respondent disagreed.

Table 4.0.10

This table indicates 92% of the respondents agree poor meal planning and

nutritional education contribute to incidence of nutritional disease while 8%

of the respondents are against the statement.

Table 4.0.11

The table clearly shows that 42% of the respondent indicated government is

assisting them and 52% of the respondent stated the government is not

assisting them.

Table 4.0.12

The table shows that 39% of the respondent indicated that kwashiorkor is the

common disease and 43% of the respondent stated xerophthalmia and 15%

of the respondent stated vitamin D deficiency.

Table 4.0.13

The table clearly shows 39% of the respondent believed their health centers

promote nutritional education and 61% of the respondent stated their health

centers do not promote nutritional education.

39
Table 4.0.14

This table clearly shows 91% of the respondent believed early weaning and

introduction of supplementary food to children can cause nutritional disease

and 9% of the respondents are against this statement.

Table 4.0.15

The table shows 89% of the respondent agreed traditional and customs of

people toward nutritional promote the incidence of nutritional disease 11%

of the respondent are against this statement.

Table 4.0.16

This table clearly shows 80% of the respondent believed lack of information

systems to measure nutritional status of children within the area of study can

contribute to a high incidence of nutritional disease and 20% of the

respondents are against this statement.

Table 4.0.17

This table clearly shows that 9% of the respondents are on the view that

provision of drugs will controlled nutritional diseases, 11% of the

respondent indicated that is not possible but the controlled could only be

possible with public health education, and 3% of the respondents indicated

their views involvement of NGOS is the best option, 15% of the respondent

stated promotion of nutritional food is the only possible way and 17% of the

40
respondents indicated improvement of modern farming technique, while 9%

of the respondent advice and encourage proper breastfeeding, 1% of the

respondents indicated that it's only through family planning that could be

possible, while 5% of the respondent indicated all of the above.

5.1 RECOMMENDATIONS

In order to effectively control and deal nutritional disease among children,

the following recommendations were made to both government and public at

large.

GOVERNMENT

1. There should be specific and clear government policy on national

programmes at all levels.

2. Government should subsidize the cost food production especially cheap

baby food from locally available products.

3. Government should increase food production, particularly animals’

protein by improving farming of all kind of utilization and protein from

animals and vegetables, marketing and distribution.

4. Government should reduce the loose from spoilage, bad harvesting, poor

storage and pest ingestion of food crops by modern storage and

preservation.

41
5. Universal education in primary schools secondary and post-secondary,

medical and paramedical institutions as a most, and serious attention

should be accorded to it.

6. Adult mass education classes especially to mothers on cooking, meal

planning and proper use of locally available food material should be done

most often.

7. Mass media propaganda and education of public on the ill-effects of

nutritional disease and how to overcome them by proper diet (movies,

posters, lectures etc..) should be done most often, so as to get people

involved in fighting nutritional disease.

8. Government should encourage NGOs in fighting nutritional diseases by

making fund available to them.

PUBLIC

1. The people should give their maximum support and cooperation for any

programmers meant for their benefit.

2. People should participation actively in promoting nutritional by

producing food crops instead of cash.

3. Each household have its own personal garden in which to plant

vegetables for their own benefit.

42
4. Proper personal community hygiene should be observed seriously so as

to control diseases that contributed to nutritional disease such as diarrhea

helminthes.

5. Public especially mothers should reject the introduction of supplementary

food or infants formula through advertising and early weaning of

children.

6. Customs and traditions in terms of children diet should be exempted is of

great importance to children.

7. Regular visit to clinic for assessment is of great importance to child

health.

8. The public should appreciate the concern of government in interns of

children health by accepting immunization especially routine against the

six diseases.

9. People should at least find a way of fighting poverty, so as to break the

chain of ignorance and diseases.

5.2 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The entire project research was aimed at in-depth analysis on factors

responsible to high incidence of nutritional diseases among children, a case

study of Maska ward in Funtua Local Government. The purpose of study is

to find out the major causes of nutritional disease among children as well as

43
to identify various types of nutritional diseases, their prevalence and to offer

suggestions and recommendations on possible ways of controlling them as

well as to educate the general public especially parents on the important of

good nutrition.

As we know Maska of Funtua Local Government is laid in sub-Saharan

region and it attached by two heavy seasons as dry and raining season,

therefore, production of nutritional food in the area is obvious and control of

these disease depends on adequate provision of nutritional food to children.

Nutritional diseases in children possess the most important and wide spread

nutritional problem in developing world today. This is more so in

developing countries with poor nutrition education and varies outdated

nutritional habits and the two main diseases resulting from definitely are

kwashiorkor and nutritional Marasmus.

Base on the findings formulated that ignorance and poverty of people have a

significant impact towards promoting nutritional diseases among children;

poor meal planning and nutritional education can contribute to incidences of

nutritional food to children.

From information collected and analyzed, using various methods, some

recommendations were made to the government and public at large of the

areas of study that there should be specific and clear government policy on

44
national nutritional, government should subsidize production of cheap

balanced baby food from locally available product. Public especially women

should participation actively involved in the promotion of nutritional food to

children.

The reader will easily appreciate the fact, that the important of good

nutritional to children will definitely improve their health status and

discourage intake of drugs it promote health and vitality, decrease the

amount of money spent on medication.

Conclusively, unless and until the problem of nutritional is given a serious

attention it derived both by government, NGOs parents and community in

general the problems of nutritional diseases will continue to exist and cause

numerous morbidity and mortality cases among children spread even beyond

the area of study.

REFERENCE

- Alison, W et-al (1987) Nutrition for Developed and Developing

Countries, 1st Edition, Black Well Books, Korean P. 211

45
- Ayalewa, A (2004) Daily Trust Newspaper, Six Million Children Suffer
Malnutrition, Vol-336 Feb. 2004:12.
- David, B et-al (1996) Nutrition and Community Health, 4th Edition,
Baillare Tindalle Publishing Company England P. 155
- Eman, M.B (2001) Political Economy of Human Health 1st Edition
Pengum Book, P. 406.
- Haddy, C.P et.al (1974) Complete Book of Human Nutrition, Mackley
Co, INCP. 411
- Mark, C.P Et-Al (2004) Community Nutrition for Developing Countries
Church Hills Press P. 174
- Michael D Et-al (1991) Basic Nutrition Applied Services 2nd Edition
Edward Press London P. 61
- Professor, M.A (1997) Disease of Children in Developing Countries,
Oxford University Press P. 17
- UNICEF (2001) Technical Report Service Volume. 10 336 Nov. 2000,
on the Ongoing Presentation Progress on Nutritional P. 2.
- White Head, K, et-al (2001) Human Nutrition And Its Associated
Problem In Developing Countries Bellaire Tindal Publishing Company P.
167
- WHO (1995) Technical Report Series Vol./No.36 Nov. 1995 Jan. 2006
Genera P. 4

QUESTIONNAIRE

College of Health Sciences and

Technology, Department of
Environmental Health, Diploma in
46
 Health Education and Promotion
Kankia Iro School of Health
Technology, Kankia,
Dear Respondent,

I am a student of Diploma in Health Education and Promotion, Kankia Iro

School of Health Technology Kankia, conducting a research to find out
“Incidence of Nutritional Diseases Among Children 0-5 a Research
Project of Maska Ward of Funtua Local Government area”. I will
greatly appreciate your co-operation in responding to the questions below as
your contribution to this research. I assured you of the greatest confidently
and that the information collected will be used for the research purpose only.

Thank you so much for your co-operation.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Please tick in the appropriate space and give your opinion where needed.
2. Please answer all question in the appropriate box provided also state your
own views were the question requires such
SECTIONS A

Social Demographic of the respondents

1. Sex: a. Male( ) b. Female ( )

2. Age: a. 18-25 ( ) b. 26-30 ( ) c. 31-35 ( ) d. 36-40 ( ).
3. Marital Status: a. Single ( ) b. Married ( )
4. Level of Education: a. Formal ( ) b. Non-formal ( )
5. Occupation: a. Civil servant ( ) b. Business man ( )
SECTION B

47
6. Do you know anything about nutritional disease? _______

7. If yes through which of the following ways?

Through research ( ) Through the media ( )

Through public education ( ) Through personal experiences ( )

8. To your own understanding which the following factors contribute to the

incidence of nutritional diseases in your community?

Poor meal planning ( ) Introduction of supplementary food ( )

Early weaning ( ) Tradition and customs ( ) Lack of information ( )

Poor personal and community hygiene ( ) All of the above ( )

9. Does ignorance and poverty of people have any significant role towards
the incidence of nutritional diseases among children?

Yes ( ) No ( )

10.Do you believe poor meal planning and nutritional education can
contribute to incidence of nutritional diseases among children?
Yes ( ) No ( )
11.Does government assist your community towards curtailing the incidence
of nutritional diseases?
Yes ( ) No ( )
12.Which among the following nutritional diseases is common in your
community?
Kwashiorkor ( ) Nutritional Marasmus ( ) Exophthalmia ( )
Iodine deficiency disorders ( ) Paligera ( ) Vitamin C-D ( ).
13.Do your health centers promote nutritional education?
48
 Yes ( ) No ( )

14.Does early weaning of children and introduction of supplementary food

to children can cause nutritional diseases to children?

Yes ( ) No ( )

15.Can tradition and customs of people towards nutrition promote the

nutritional diseases?

Yes ( ) No ( )

16.Do you believe lack of information system measure nutritional status of

children within the area of study can contributes to nutritional diseases?

Yes ( ) No ( )

17.In your own understanding in which among the following ways that
nutritional diseases could be controlling in your community.

Provision of drugs ( ) Public health education ( )

Involvement of NGOs ( ) Promotion of nutritional food ( )
Improvement modern farming tech ( ) Improvement of living condition ( )

Encourage breast feeding ( ) Encourage family planning ( )

Improve immunization ( ) All of the above ( )

49