CHAPTER II

Malnutrition remains a significant public health concern in low-income nations. It arises due to

numerous factors, including large family size, parental occupation, marital status, family income,

parental education, inadequate maternal nutritional knowledge, place of residence, gender, and

breastfeeding techniques. The amount of family income allocated for food has a direct impact on

the health of children. (Fobil., et.al) indicate that socioeconomic status is among the factors

leading to disparities in population health. Additionally, a lack of access to food, safe drinking

water, sanitation facilities, and quality healthcare is prevalent among the majority of individuals.

A notable hindrance to appropriate childcare practices stems from low levels of maternal

education, as it endows mothers with the knowledge that positively affects child nutrition and

overall well-being (Ameyaw.,et.al 2023).

Children's eating behaviors are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental

factors. Children with more avid appetites (food approach behaviors) are more likely to have

elevated body fat and be at risk for excessive weight and obesity, while those with smaller

appetites (food-avoidant behaviors) are more likely to have lower body fat and be underweight.

Eating behaviors have a strong body basis, but the environment in which children live and grow

also plays a crucial role. The early feeding environment and parental feeding practices are

identified as important environmental determinants of eating behaviors and potential targets for

parenting interventions (Costa and Oliviera, 2023).

Parental feeding strategies have been discovered to be linked with malnutrition in children.

Research has indicated that certain feeding practices, such as initiating breastfeeding and using

bottles at an early stage, are connected with acute malnutrition (Garti, Bukari, & Wemakor). It

has been observed that maternal depression impacts the way children are fed and contributes to
malnutrition in them ( Chee din.,et.al). Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that behavioral

issues related to feeding increase the likelihood of primary malnutrition in children. Additionally,

parental feeding practices, including emotional feeding and encouraging children to eat, have

been linked with their eating behaviors and food preferences. Parental feeding practices play a

pivotal role in shaping the feeding environment and eating experiences of children and can

influence the development of traits that are not conducive to obesity and promote healthy eating

behaviors(Costa and Oliviera, 2023).

 Alexandra, Costa., Andreia, Fontoura, Oliveira. (2023). Parental Feeding Practices and

Children’s Eating Behaviours: An Overview of Their Complex Relationship.

Healthcare,11(3):400-400. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11030400

 Ameyaw R, Ameyaw E, Agbenorhevi JK, Hammond CK, Arhin B, Afaa TJ. Assessment

of knowledge and socioeconomic status of caregivers of children with malnutrition at a

district hospital in Ghana. Afri Health Sci.

2023;23(1):693-703.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v23i1.74

 Humphrey, Garti., Mohammed, Bukari., Anthony, Wemakor. (2023). Early initiation of

breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and experiencing feeding challenges are associated with

malnutrition. Food Science and Nutrition, .doi: 10.1002/fsn3.3472

 Maizatul, Azlina, Chee, Din., Nur, Islami, Mohd, Fahmi, Teng., Zahara, Abdul, Manaf.

(2023). Maternal depression and child feeding practices: Determinants to malnutrition

among young children in Malaysian rural area. Women's Health, doi:

10.1177/17455057221147800