Publication:

Undernutrition: the role of the mothers and others in childcare

Background India has the largest burden of child mortality and undernutrition in the world. More than one-third of the world’s 150 million undernourished children younger than 5 year old live in India. The objective of this study was to assess the role of the mother in child care and its implications on nutrition of the child.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Gwalior district among 300 mothers who were selected across the district on the basis of nutritional status of their child.

Results Only 09% mothers were able to spend >3 hours every day for exclusive care of their under-five child. 37.00% mothers admitted that the elder sibling in the family feeds the child. 55.50% mothers stated that they have to work outside to help in earning livelihood.

Conclusions Mother plays the most important role in child up-bringing. Empowering mothers and spreading correct and practical knowledge and awareness about child care practices can help in solving the problem of undernutrition.