Infant Protein Energy Malnutrition in Nigeria

Abstract

EIGHTY VILLAGE mothers whose children were suffering from covert or overt malnutrition were interviewed as to the names given to protein energy malnutrition (PEM), its causes, prevention, infant feeding practices and cultural food practices. PEM was recognized as digestive disorder and enlarged spleen by 25% and 31% of the mothers respectively. About 25% and 10% of the participants attributed the cause of PEM to intestinal worms, child's frequent sickness respectively. Means of preventing the disease included the use of charms through scarifications, herbs, and prayers. The majority of the mothers had no idea as to the causes and prevention of PEM. Animal protein sources top the list of foodstuffs proscribed to the infants. The reasons for taking health care and growth monitoring to the rural areas by Community health workers are highlighted.