Feeding practices among mothers of nursery school children in Usigu division, Siaya district: implications for nutritional status

Abstract

This study was an exploratory survey that focused on feeding practices of nursery school children . among mothers in a rural setting. The main objective of the study was to describe the feeding practices of nursery school children from the mother's perspective.

The sampling frame was the list of mothers whose children had participated in an on going health project in Usigu Division. Purposive and simple random sampling methods were used to draw respondents for the study. A total of one hundred and eight (108) mothers of nursery school children from Usigu Division were interviewed. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and direct observation which focused on key issues of investigation. Analysis was done by frequency distributions. Induction and deductions were used to interpret information that was obtained through direct observation. Findings suggest that children of young mothers are likely to eat elsewhere bedsides their mother's houses. A nursery school food programme for the cltildren is likely to be favored by mothers who engage in business activities. Nursery school children are likely to be served first during the main meals. Finally, mothers with higher levels of education are more likely to eat with their children than those with lower education.

Based on the findings cited above, it is recommended that workshops be organized within KEDAHR project with the aim of imparting nutritional knowledge to mothers of nursery school children. It is also recommended that a nursery school feeding programme aimed at improving the nutritional status of the nursery school children in the community be started.