A study to evaluate weaning practices in relation to development of malnutrition in children under two years of age admitted at the University teaching hospital.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the weaning practices in relation to development of malnutrition in children under two years of age admitted at the University Teaching Hospital. A descriptive study was conducted using a structured interview schedule. The study was carried out in A-Block Ward AO7 of the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. Out of 20-25 Admissions in A-Block, 6-7 children are malnourished and are admitted to AO7. Respondents were parents or guardians taking care of the malnourished children in AO7. The results show that most mothers lack knowledge about their children's nutrition and good weaning practices. Most of the families are poor and are unable to support their families economically. Most families were not practicing Family Planning and that most of their children started getting sick by having diarrhoea first. Mothers admitted that they did not get much help from health workers because they are usually few and busy at their clinics. The findings of this study show that bad weaning practices contribute a lot to the development of malnutrition in children admitted to the University Teaching Hospital - Ward A07.