Parent Socioeconomic Status and Child Malnutrition in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed the relationship between parent socioeconomic status and child malnutrition in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, with a particular emphasis on the pathway through which the socioeconomic factors of the parents determine child nutrition and wellbeing. To achieve this objective, a study was conducted in the Lafia metropolis with a random sample of 480 women who had children between the ages of 0 to 5. Data analyzed was collected by administering a structured questionnaire to women in the study area. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and mediation analysis were employed to analyze the data. The findings from the results unveiled that the primary determinant of child nutrition in Nasarawa State is the mother’s educational status. Furthermore, the mediation analysis showed a perfect mediation between the mother’s Education, toilet facility, and child malnutrition. The study recommended that the government should encourage sensitization on the importance of girl child education at all levels, especially among rural dwellers. Having quality education by the girl child will improve her socioeconomic status through an increase in Education and a rise in income level to better her role as a future mother.