Perspectives of mothers and primary caregivers on undernutrition in children under 5 years in the Northwest region of Cameroon: a community based cross-sectional study

Ndohtabi J. Eyong; Lifoter K. Navti; Mary B. S. Atanga

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20242534

Authors

Ndohtabi J. Eyong Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, The University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon
Lifoter K. Navti Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon
Mary B. S. Atanga Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, The University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20242534

Keywords:

Attitudes, Cameroon, Knowledge, Mothers, Northwest, Undernutrition

Abstract

Background: Cameroon is one of the sub-Saharan African countries where undernutrition is a significant public health concern, with a national prevalence of 29% among children under five. The Northwest Region of Cameroon in particular, faces a triple burden of undernutrition, with high rates of stunting (32%), wasting (6.5%) and underweight (17.2%). Caregivers play a critical role in the management of undernutrition. This study analyzed their knowledge, attitudes and predictors of knowledge levels on undernutrition.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 1279 mothers and primary caregivers of under five children from six health districts. Data on their knowledge and attitudes towards undernutrition was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of nutrition knowledge levels.

Results: Overall, 78.5% of the caregivers had ‘good knowledge’ on undernutrition and 21.7% had ‘poor knowledge’. Correct knowledge was highest on the causes of undernutrition and incorrect knowledge was highest on prevention of undernutrition in children especially as 32.9% didn’t know that exclusive breastfeeding could prevent undernutrition in children below six months. Regarding attitude, 52.2% had a ‘positive attitude’ and 47.7% had a ‘less positive or negative attitude’. The main predictors of knowledge levels among primary caregivers were sex of carer (p=0.001), household size (p=0.001), religion (p=0.010), residence status (p<0.001), occupation (p<0.001), and degree of urbanization (p=0.002).

Conclusions: Caregivers in Northwest Cameroon showed good undernutrition knowledge (78.5%), but lacked knowledge on prevention, especially breastfeeding benefits. Sociodemographic factors influenced knowledge. This could inform interventions to improve practices.

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