A study to assess health education being given to mothers of malnourished children in the paediatrics unit of UTH.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess health education being given to mothers of malnourished children in the Paediatrics Unit of U.T.H. Health education in simple health messages adopted to local cultural practices in native language as emphasized by the Pakistan Medical Journal (1996) is vital.The sample of 50 respondents was drawn from Ward A07 in the Paediatrics Unit. Data were collected through structured interview questionnaires and analysed manually. Literature was obtained from books, articles and abstracts. The results of the study revealed that regular and planned health education is not being given to the mothers among whom are the vulnerable (singles, widows, divorcees and readmissions). The results also showed that nutrition demonstrations are not done. The nurse/patient ratio was found to be very poor. From the above findings, it was recommended that health education provision and the nurse/patient ratio be improved to empower mothers with knowledge in malnutrition. This in turn will minimise health demands and cost at individual and national levels. This information is relevant to health care providers so that they can devise appropriate strategies to assist the families.