THE CAUSES AND EFFECT OF POOR NUTRITION ON CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 15 YEARS: A CASE STUDY OF EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

ABSTRACT: This study endeavours to shed light upon the ramifications of inadequate nutrition on children below the age of 15 years in the Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. A sample of one hundred respondents, specifically pupils, was selected in a random manner from a pool of six primary schools. This sample was chosen to represent the population under study. The instrument employed for data collection was a set of questionnaires. The collected data was subsequently analysed using simple percentage types, and hypotheses were tested accordingly. The analysis yielded the finding that parents ought to ensure that their children are adequately nourished with appropriate portions of food. It is recommended that children consume a balanced diet, and efforts should be made to enhance food production in order to mitigate the prevalence of poor nutrition among children. The imperative for governmental intervention in supporting parents with the provision of sustenance for their offspring, as well as mitigating the financial burden associated with food procurement, is a matter of utmost significance. It is incumbent upon prospective couples to engage in a comprehensive assessment of their genetic makeup, specifically with regard to the potential manifestation of sickle cell disease, which in turn may precipitate the onset of kwashiorkor. Furthermore, educators bear the responsibility of imparting knowledge to their pupils concerning the importance of maintaining a well-balanced dietary regimen. It is imperative that parents refrain from allowing their environmental circumstances or religious affiliations to dictate their nutritional choices, thereby contributing to the amelioration of malnutrition.