THE EFFECT OF MALNUTRITION ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

OF CHILDREN IN MOGOSWOK ZONE, MARIGAT DMSION

BARINGO DISTRICT, KENYA

BY

SUSAN J. CHEPYEGON
BED/ECPE /15831/71/DF

A REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE INSTITUTE OF OPEN AND

DISTANCE LEARNING AS A REQUIREMENT FOR THE
AWARD OFBACHELOR OF EDUCATION ECPE OF
KAMPALA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

AUGUST,2009
 DECLARATION

This research report is my original work and not duplicate and has never
been submitted to any other institution of higher learning for the award
of certificate, diploma or degree in early childhood and primary education
I also declare that all materials cited in this paper which are not mine
have been acknowledged.

Signed. ..~ .. ... Date.'J_~# :/'(\I°'

........... . ~
.. ... ... . 1

SUSAN J. CHEPYEGON

i
 APPROVAL

This research proposal has been adapted and submitted with my

approval as a university supervisor

MR. SSEKANDI ERi~

II.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . :-1r'. . .. ... ... . .. . . . . . .....
SUPERVISOR'S SIGNATURE,.

~~T~ ?:f~ °.f

............. j 1~.?.. . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . ..

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My gratitude first goes to God for giving me the strength and courage to
undertake this research. I wish to express my appreciation to the
lectures of Kampala International University for their contribution and all
those who contributed generously to this study to make it success.

I wish to extend my sincere thanks to Mr. Ssekandi Erius for wise

guidance and encouragement throughout the duration of carrying out
the study.

I wish also to thank the head teacher of my school Mr. Peter Cherutich
for giving me permission out whenever I wanted to go and do the
research.

Finally I would like to thank my family for their love and financial
support which made my study a success.

iii
 TABLE OF CONTENT
Declaration •...•••........•.....•..•.•......••....••....•.....•..••....•.•..••...•...•.•...•..•..•.•... i
Approval ...............................................................................................ii
Acknowledgement••...•.••.•.•..••....••....•••.....•..••.•••..•.••..•.•.•.•••.....•••..•••.•...••..iii
Table of content..•...•....•...•..•••...•••...•••...••....••.•...•.•....•••••.•...••••...••.•.••.••.•vi
List of tables •...••.....•...••...••••...•••...•••...•..•..•.......•....•.•....•...•.••.....•..•.•... vii
Abstract .••...•..••...••••••.•••.••..••••..••••..•••...••..•••.•.•••..•••.••.•••••.•......•.•..•.•.•...viii

CHAPTER ONE .......•.......••.........•...•......••...•......•....••...•...•••...•••.•.•..••.... 1

1.0 Introduction ••••......•••....•••..••.•..••...••••..••••.•••••••••..•••••••••.•.••••.•...••..•.•..• 1
1.1 Background of Study ........................................................................... 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem ..•••.•••....••....•••..•••...•••...•••...••....•...•••..••.•........3
1.3 The Purpose of the Study••.•••....••.•....••.••.•.•...•••....••...•••...•..•.•.........•.•..••...3
1.4 The Research Objectives ..•...•••..••..•••...••••••...•••...•••...•••.•••........•.•....•••.•..3
1.5 Scope of the Study............................................................................... 3
1.6 Research Question .................................................................................4
1. 7 Significance of the Study ................................................................................ 4
1.8 Limitation of the Study............................................................................4
1.9 Definition ofTerms ........................................................................................5
1.10 Acronyms .........................................................................................5

CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction ...••....•..••...•.••..•...•..•..••••.•..•...••....•...•••..••..•....•...•••...•.••..•6
2.1 Factors Responsible for Children Malnutrition ...........................................6
2.1.1 Deficiency or Excessive Intake of a Particular Nutrient................................6
2.1.2 Infection and Diseases ..•.•...•...•..••.•••.•••••.••.......••..••••.•.•.•.••..••.•..•••.••••7
2.1.3 Ignorance about Nutrition ..................................................................... 8
2.1.4 Lack of Even Distribution of Food •••••..••.•..••..•••....•..•.•.••...•••..•...•••••...•..8
2.1.5 Poverty ...•••.•...•••...•.•.•.•......••....••..•.••.•••.••...••..••...•.•.••...••..•..••......•.. 9
iv
2.1.6 Bad Habits of Food ...••.•••...•.••.••.••••....•.•••..•.•...•••.•..•••..•...•••..•.•...•.....9
2.1. 7 Seasonal Changes Leading to Lack of Production ...••.••....••.••••..•.•..•••..•....•9
2.1.8 Economy ••.•..••.••..••..••••..•.••.••..•••.••.•.•...•••••....••.•••..•••.•••...••••••..••••..•10
2.2 Effects of Malnutrition ....................................................................... 10
2.2.1 Infections and Death ..............................................................................................10
2.2.2 Poor Growth and Development............................................... ••••..•.... 10
2.2.3 Low School Enrohnent •••...•••..•...••...••..•••...•.•......•.•.•..••.•....••.•....••••••. 11
2.2.4 Child Abuse ...................................................................................... 11
2.2.5 Stigmatization /Isolation ....••...•••••..••.•.•••...•••...•.••••..••••..••.••••..•........•12
2.3. Solutions of Malnutrition Problems ....................................................... 12
2.3.1 Health Education •••...•..•••...•••.•••••..••.•••••.•...•••........•.•...••.....••••..•••.••• 12
2.3.2 Ministry of Trade and Industry and Commerce•.••.•••...•••...•..•••••••...•.••••.12
2.3.3 Department of Transport and Communication •..•••...•.••.....••..••...••..••••... 13
2.3.4 Ministry of Agriculture Dairy and Animal Industry................................. 13

CHAPTER THREE .••...•••..•..•••••••..••.•...••.•••....••...•••.....•...••..••.•••••.•..••••.• 14

Research Methodology ...•••..••..•..•.•.••..••.....•••...•••..••••....•••.•••.••......••••...... 14
3.0 Introduction •..•••••••.•...•.••••...•••.•.••.•••.••...•••...••••..••...•.••..••..•••..•..•...••• 14
3.1 Research Design ...••••.••••••...•...•••••.••••••.••...•••...•••.•...••..••••••..••.•••••.•..•• 14
3.2 Study Area •••••..••...•.••••.••...••..•••••••••••..•••.•••...•••.•...•••..•••.•...•••.••.••..... 14
3.3 Sampling Procedure ...•••..•...••..•••••••..•.•••......••....••.•....••.••...•...•..••••••.•.. 14
3.4 Sample Size And Techniques .•.•..••.••.••.•••...••••.••.••••.•....•..••••••...•..•••••••..• 14
3.5 Target Population .••••..••..•...••..••.••••.•••.••...•••.•.•..••.•..•..•••..•......•••......... 15
3.6 Procedures Of Study.•••...•.•••..••....•..•..•...••..••....••..•.••.....•••.••••••...•••••... 15
3.7 Instruments •.....••....•••...••.••..••..•••••••.••..•...•...••...•.••....••....•..•••..•.....••. 15
3.8 Data Analysis .••..••.••••...••.••.•••...••.•..••.•••.•••..•••...•.•....•..••...•.•••••.......•.• 15

CHAPTER FOUR ..••.....•••...•..••.•.••..•........••..••...•..........•...•..•.••••...•........ 16

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION•..•..••••••..•.••..••.• 16
4.0 Introduction •...••.•....••....•.•.•.•••.••...•.•..•....•.•.•.••..•••.•...••••..•..•...••......... 16
V
4.1 Description of Respondents .................................................................. 16
4.2 Malnourished Children in Schools ......................................................... 17
4.3 What is the Main Causes of Malnutrition ............................................... 17
4.4 Whether they Agree the Balanced Diet can Help Reduce Malnutrition ............ 18
4.5 Failure of Mother to Take Their Children to Clinic................................... 19
4.6 Problems Faced by Malnourished Children ................................................. 19
4. 7 Are Malnourished Children Vulnerable To Diseases ..................................20
4.8 How Often Do Malnourished Children Attend School. ................................ 21
4.9 Main Nutritional Deficiency In Scbools ................................................... 22
4.10 Performance of Malnourished Children Games .......................................23
4.11 Possible Ways of Curbing Malnutrition ................................................24
4.12 Main Ways of Curbing Malnutrition .....................................................24
4.13 Whether School Feeding Program Reduces Absenteeism .............................24
4.15 Advice Given to Parents ....................................................................26

CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.0 Introduction ......................................................................................28
5.1 Summary of Findings ......................................................................... 28
5.2 Conclusion ...................................................................................... 29
5.3 Recommendation ...............................................................................29
Reference/ Bibliography ............................................................................31

APPENDICES
Appendix A: Questionnaires For Teachers ...................................................32
Appendix B: letter of introduction ...............................................................33
Appendix C: Map Research Area ..............................................................36

vi
 LISTS OF TABLES

Table 4.1 Gender Of Respondents ..•••••..•..•.••••..••••.••.•....•••......•••....••..•..... 16

Table 4.2 Whether They Agree That There Are Malnourished

Children In Their Schools ...•••...•..•••...•...••....•••.•.....••••..••..•.•...•• 17

Table 4.3 Main Cause Of Malnutrition ..••.•••••••••••••.•.•••..•...••••.•..••..•••••••..•. 17

Table 4.4 Balanced Diet Can Reduce Malnutrition •..•••...•••......•••...••...•...•.••18

Table 4.5 Whether Failure Of The Mother To Take Their Children to

Clinic Can Lead To Malnutrition .•.•.•.••...••....•••...••.•••...•.•.••... 19

Table 4.6 Show Summary Of Responses •••.••.•..•..•.•••.•.•••....•••••...•••.•.••..••••.• 19

Table 4. 7 Vulnerable To Diseases •.•...••....•.•....••••..•....•••...••..••....••..••.........•20

Table 4.8 How Often Do Malnourished Children Attend To School. ••.••...••••..••••.21

Table 4.9 Nutritional Deficiency In Schools ••.•.•...•..•••.•••.•.•••••..••••..••••..•••...•..•21

Table 4.10 Whether Malnourished Children Perform Well In Games ................. 22

Table 4.llway Of Curbing Malnutrition •••.••.••••.••.••.•.•...••••.....•••..•••..••.•..•.•.• 23

Table 4.12: whether school feed programme reduces absenteeism ...••••••..••..•••••.. 25

Table 4.15 Advice Given To Parents •••..••..•........•...•.••.•.•••....•.•.....•....•.••...•.. 26

vii
 ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to find out the rates of malnutrition within
study area. it investigates the causes of malnutrition among children in the
study community; it also examines the effects of malnutrition on academic
performance in children of school going age. This is because government
has made education for all children available. For any nation to prosper it
must have educated the citizens. Therefore since children are leaders of
tomorrow, their needs should be catered for.

The researcher viewed literature from other researchers which showed

that nutrition is very important as far as nurturing a child is concerned and
that malnutrition has a lot of negative effects on the wellbeing of the child.

viii
 CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
Education is an important element in promoting the economy and
national development of any nation's populations. The goal of education
as cited by Taylor (1985) states that "Education first enlarges child's
knowledge, experience and imaginative understanding and his/her
awareness of moral values and responsible for contributors to it, cable of
a achieving as much independent as possible.

1.1 Background of study

According to V. Slaughter et al (1986) states that malnutrition is caused
by eating foods in wrong proportions. In many parts of world people
suffer from malnutrition because the right foods are not available. He
went on to say that many countries where people mainly live on polished
rice, the diet often does not contain enough vitamins in the diet, a person
may suffer from the disease known as Beriberi, if the diet lacks protein
the person may suffer from Kwashiorkor and other deficiency diseases.
People who can not have enough food will suffer from under nutrition.
Under nutrition occurs in countries which can not have enough food for
all people living there. Under nutrition is common in some parts of south
America and Africa.

According to Anita Tull (1983) the recent on going famine in countries

such as Ethiopia and Sudan has brought public attention since this is
likely to bring about little or no production of food at all, which will
eventually lead to causes of malnutrition

In Kenya however, malnutrition is likely to be caused by inadequate diet

and probably the excessive intake of nutrients, this idea is not essential
for the health of children since it causes severe harm to their health.

1
Most of malnutrition cases observed in Baringo district, Marigat division,
and Mogoswok zone are those caused by excessive and inadequate intake
of a particular nutrient in the diet. The parents of children in Mogoswok
zone are leading miserable lives. the children from Mogoswok zone
mainly suffering from under nutrition due to poverty resulting in low
purchasing power. This is because poor families cannot buy adequate
food for themselves. In this geographical area, nutritious foods such as
milk may not be available throughout the year. Those families who
cannot afford to buy may not find it because it's not available. This
therefore leads to malnutrition, which may in turn retard the mental
development of school going child and also leads to development of
several deficiency diseases.

The idea of malnutrition in this zone is observed to be lack of food and

knowledge on proper feeding patterns to young children .It is a tragic and
serious issue that most children observed in most villages are viewed to
be having very miserable looks as result of illness. According to Eva
Rickets (1993) cited that most children's disease are brought about by
national disorders. The issue of malnutrition has brought about death of
every young life that would eventually grow up to be very reasonable and
dependable people in the nation and world wide

Many people in age of advanced technology and scientific knowledge have

left their health and quality of life to suffer due to poverty, war, disaster,
pollution and other social and political factor.

According to Sumati, R Mudamb et al (1996) state that inadequate food

during infancy results in stunted growth. Unfortunately, most children in
rural communities suffer from similar problems; the retarded growth
may not be noticed by the parents. Thus the subnormal may pass to the

2
normal growth. This is not a malady in itself, but insufficient food intake
is not only deficient in energy, but in other nutrients, making the child
vulnerable to diseases. The disease will weaken the body of child and
eventually may lead to dead.

1.2 Statement of problem

The academic performance of child in Mogoswok zone has declared for
the last five years unlike their counter parts from the urban areas who
are improved drastically since 2003 to 2008 in KCPE examination.
Consequently the researcher has therefore embarked on the study to
establish the root cause of this downward trend and to come with
remedial measures to curb the trend which education standards are
taking in this geographical area.

1.3 The purpose of the study

The study was intended to examine the effects of malnutrition on
academic performance of school going age children in Mogoswok zone in
Baringo district Kenya.

1.4 Research objectives

1) To examine the factors responsible for children's malnutrition.
2) To examine the academic progress of malnourished children.
3) To find out possible ways of curbing malnutrition in school going age
children

1.5 Scope of the study

This research was carried out in selected schools of Marigat to examine
the effects of malnutrition in social and academic development of the
child. The variables investigated included the general health of the child
and academic performance in school. The researcher chooses this rural
area the children from this geographical area are mostly malnourished.

3
1.6 Research question
a) What are the causes of malnutrition?
b) What are the effects of malnutrition on academic performance of
pupils?
c) what are the possible ways of curbing malnutrition?

1. 7 Significance of the study

The study highlights of the importance of good health. Through this
study most families in Mogoswok zone got aware of the importance of
proper feeding patterns. This study also will help children to performance
well in their academic. The study also will help schools to develop a
strategy for feeding program

The research was meant to help parents to know the kinds of food to feed
the children. Through the study, the government would implement the
relevance of policies related to child rearing and upbringing programs on
proper feeding. The teacher would also be sensitized on the ways of
reducing malnutrition in their schools, through planning and giving
health education on malnutrition.

1.8 Limitation of the study

❖ The following challenges were encountered by the researcher while

collecting the data in the field.
❖ The teachers give valid information about the study. The
researcher had to use more time in field than what was planned
for.

❖ The researcher was never carried of a conclusive due to insufficient

funds.

4
 ❖ The researcher was restricted by teaching schedule she had to
carry out frequent field visits

1. 9 Definitions of terms

Malnutrition : This is a form of deficiency disease or

nutritional disorder

Nutrition : This is process through which the body

Make use of the nutrients in the food.

Nutrient : It is that which is contained in food substance.

Growth : It is the increase.

Health : A state in which the body is fit spiritually, mentally and

Physically

Micro nutrient: nutrients needed by the body in only tiny amounts

1.10 Acronyms
K.C.P.E : Kenya Certificate of Primary Education

PEM : Protein Energy Malnutrition

CHW : Community Health Worker.

WHO : World Health Organization

5
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIE,
2.0 Introduction
This chapter consists of relevant literature and other people's literature
which have been reviewed with the purpose of obtaining an
understanding of the study problem, causes, problems faced by
malnourished children and solutions or ways of curbing malnutrition in
young children.

2.1 Factors Responsible For Children Malnutrition

The following are the some of causes which have contributed to
malnutrition in Mogiswok zone. These are excessive intake of particular
nutrient, infection and diseases, ignorance, unequal distribution of food,
poverty, bad habits of eating food and seasonal changes leading to lack of
food production.

2.1.1 Deficiency or excessive intake of a particular nutrient

Malnutrition is found to occur in children by either under nutrient in
diet or over nutrition of certain nutrient in the diet given to the child.

According to B. Rai Dhillons (1987), stated that most malnutrition in

Kenya is those caused by inadequate and excessive intake of the nutrient
in the diet.

UNICEF Kenya survey reveals high rates of malnutrition among New

York and U.S.A and as per 4 th may, 2006 there were high rates of
malnutrition among pregnant women in Kenya due to deficiency intake
of a particular nutrient to cater for lives of developing child

6
due to excess of joules in proportion to protein. Marasmus on the other
hand is lack of joules and protein.

The disorders of this deficiency in children lead to failure in growth. The

weight and height are slow for their age. The child lacks interest with the
activities in the environment and looks dull and unhappy.

2.1.3 Ignorance about nutrition

Joseph F.G ( 1978), states that some people just have no idea to the
function of food and accepts that food is just something please the
appetite to full the stomach. This needs to be eroded in many parts of the
world since this causes a situation of malnutrition.

Anita Tull (1987) said the most people in African countries suffer the
problem of malnutrition not because they lack enough food to eat, but
because they have some ignorance of using properly and utilizing the
kind of food in their respective countries. Countries like Britain has
enough to eat but suffer from health disorders which have resulted in a
variety of nutritional disorders such as heart disease, for example
obesity, decay, gum disease, intestinal diseases, and anorexia nervosa.

In many parts of the Africa, male eats the best and women and children
eat what is left, this later might amount to carbohydrates alone. This
means that food in the family is not distributed according to the principle
of those who need most came first.

2.1.4 Lack of even distribution of food

F.G Joseph (1978) went on to say that some parts of the country have
excess of certain vital foods; other parts are starving or lack of food.

8
There is no system of marketing distribution, communication and overall
supervision by the authority to see that food is supplied to all areas.

2.1.5 Poverty
This occurs as result of low purchasing power. This is main cause of
under nutrition because poor families can not afford to buy adequate
food for them selves.

According to Sumati Mudambi et (1996) pointed that in some

communities especially the rural areas, nutritious food such as milk may
not be available throughout the year. sometimes families cannot afford to
buy this nutritious food, non -availability may lead to malnutrition. This
was also cited by Polltt (1990) who said that PEM is linked to the
condition of extreme poverty.

2.1.6 Bad habits of food

According to L.T Marangu Enthangatt L. (1993); some nutritional
disorders are found to be caused by bad habits of foods. This is seen in
some communities which have food taboos where some people are not
allowed to feed on particular food while others denied preparing in right
way. They are made to prepare their meals in a customary fashion.
However, some of these customs are good but there some which do not
consider the health status of the family members.

2.1. 7 Seasonal changes leading to lack of production

According to Anita Tull (1987) state that countries such as Ethiopia and
Sudan brought public attention due to resent on going famine has
resulted to little or no production of food which eventually resulted a
problem of malnutrition. People should therefore plant a variety of
seasonal crops in order to help the health status of children. Lack of
water leads to drought and famine periodically as seen in the recent

9
years some countries of sub- Sahara as Mauritania, Mail, some parts of
upper Volta, Niger, Chad, Sudan and Ethiopia have demonstrated the
effects of lack of water leading to shortage of food production.

2.1.8 Economy
Due to the growing economy in country most people tend to spend their
money on prestige foods or sell what they have as nutritious food for
cash. This leads to shortage of this nutritive food in our communities
resulting into problem of malnutrition. When urbanization,
industrialization and modernization, take place, the cost of living rises
up leading to under nutrition.

2.2 EFFECTS OF MALNUTRITION

2.2.1 Infections and death.

Most nutritional disorders such as kwashiorkor, marasmus and obesity
are mainly caused by deficiency diseases or excessive intake of particular
nutrient in the diet.

According to Jane Hampton (1985) a child who is not fed enough of the
nutrient required by the body often falls sick and has stunted growth in
severe cases this improper feeding practices causes more infections than
even any diseases.

2.2.2. Poor growth and development.

Malnutrition causes a general complication in normal growth and
development.

According to Harriet Ndingi (1982) severe protein malnutrition in

children leads to lack of muscle development and this may result to a
child growing up with disabilities or physical deformities. during

10
pregnancy mothers require standard calcium in their diet for the
formation of strong baby's bones and teeth.

People in our African communities are small and slow all their lives
because they did not get enough to eat when they were children this was
cited by Jannie Hampton (1985). Nutritional disorders due, to poor or
lack of energy giving food in the diet makes the child not to grow up well.
Children who lack nutrients in their diet normally feel hungry and as a
result their body size looks very thin and under weight according to
NACECE Kenya institute of education (1992)

2.2.3 Low school enrolment

This issue of malnutrition has affected the enrolment of children
attending school. In many communities and families where scarcity of
food is a problem especially in the rural parts of the country, children
tend to ignore the importance of attending to school programs. When
children do not get enough food, their morel of attending school will low.
the concentration and attention span will be very low; this will lead to
poor performance hence school dropouts.

2.2.4 Child abuse

The population increase 1n most of our communities has caused food
shortage hence starvation in most families. This has influenced very
young children to run away from their homes in search of food, or where
they can get what to feed on.

According to children's act (2001) all children have the right to be

protected and provided with their basic needs and when their needs are
not met appropriately then the effect is child abuse.

11
2.2.5 Stigmatization /isolation
Children who suffer from nutritional disorders are liked to be laughed at
by the fellow counter parts that are well nourished. This can occur
because of the condition they are. This may lead to isolation because
they feel inferior. Their needs have not been met holistically. This will
turn leas to poor performance in school.

2.3 SOLUTIONS TO MALNUTRITION PROBLEMS

2.3.1 Health education

According to Joseph F.G (1978) they should nutrition education
everywhere country wide through different media, for example radios,
cinemas, newspapers and posters in order to alert people on best feeding
methods. Good habits of foods in the family should be encouraged while
bad habits should be discouraged. There should also be regular
monitoring of those patients who have nutritional disorders in order to
take early interventions. The government, ministers and respected local
leaders should include the topic of nutrition in their speeches. Team
approach for co-ordination of efforts to disseminate nutritional
knowledge to the people, by so doing malnutrition will be reduced.

2.3.2 Ministry of trade industry and commerce

The possibilities having necessary nutritious foods in areas where they
are grown must be established to prevent the effective causes of
malnutrition in those areas.
There should be increased number of shops to increase availability of
suitable foods at an affordable price to make more people benefit. the
locally available foods should be preserved appropriately in order to
prevent wastage of nutrient.

12
2.3.3 Department of transport and communicate
Transport should be given for supervision of nutritional project in
various places all over the country. When this is done malnutrition in
various places will be reduced.

2.3.4 Ministry of agriculture dairy and animal husbandry

According to Joseph (1978) said that the use of insecticides will help to
kill insects which reduces production. He went on to say, better storage
facilities should be used to reduce distraction by insects. Conservation of
soil to maintain nutrients and improve production should be made a
policy to be implemented.

13
 CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
This chapter looked into research methodology that was used by the
researcher to work out his findings. The chapter covered the research
design, study area, sample size, sampling techniques, data collected,
research instruments used, target population, procedures of the study
and data analysis.

3. lResearch methodology
The collection of data in this research was done by questionnaires and
respondents answering and returning them.

3.2. Study area

The research carried out study in selected schools of Mogoswok zone,
Baringo district Kenya.

3.3 Sampling procedure

Sample random sampling procedure was used. this method gave every
school equal chance to participate in the study.

3.4 Sampling size and technique

The researcher took a sample size of ten teachers. Out of ten schools the
researcher used one teacher per school and one parent per school. All of
them totaling to twenty respondents

3.5 Target population

The research target population of ten parents and ten teachers of
selected primary schools in Marigat Mogoswok zone.

14
3.6 Procedures of the study
The researcher secured the covering letter from Kampala international
university to authorize her to carry out the study. The researcher also
requested a permission letter from the head teachers of the sampled
schools which allowed her specific dates and she visited the schools so
as to collect the data from the teachers.

3. 7 Instruments
The researcher devised his own questionnaire which was made purposely
for the study.

3.8 Data analysis

The researcher embarked on the analysis of the questionnaires which
was distributed to the respondents in Marigat division.
The researcher analyzed the data and presented them 1n frequency
tables.

15
 CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTAION, ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION
4.0 Introduction
This chapter deals with the presentation, analysis and interpretation of
data as collected from the field. The chapter specifically shows the
description of respondent by gender; examine the factors responsible for
malnutrition, problems faced by malnourished children and to find out
possible ways of curbing malnutrition

4.1 Description of respondents

The researcher used parents and teachers to answer the questionnaire.
in all, ten (10) teachers and 10 parents answered the questionnaire
making a total of 20 respondents.

Table 4.1 gender of respondents

Category Male Female Total
Teachers 5(50%) 5(50%) 10(100%)
Parents 5(50%) 5(50%) 10(100%)
Total 10(100%) 10 20(100%)

Source: field data

Table 4.1 above shows that a total of 20 respondents were used to
answer the questionnaire of which 5 were male and 5 were female. The
table also shows that gender was considered in the distribution of
questionnaire to ensure balance.

4.2 Malnourished children in schools

Teachers and parents were asked whether they agree or disagree that
there are malnourished children in their schools

16
Table 4.2 whether they agree that there are malnourished children
in their schools

Responses Frequency Percentage

Strongly agree 16 8
Agree 4 20
Disagree - 0
Strongly disagree - 0
Total 20 100

Table 4.2 shows a summary of their responses, fact that most of the
respondents strongly agreed that there are malnourished children in
their schools compared to 20% who agreed that there are many
malnourished children. This shows that are many malnourished in
Mogoswok zone.

4.3 What is the causes of malnutrition

There are causes of malnutrition among children for example poverty,
ignorance, poor farming methods, lack of time to prepare food among
others. Respondents in this study were asked to identify the main causes
of malnutrition and their responses indicated in table 4.3.

Table 4.3: Main causes of malnutrition

Reponses Frequency Percentage
Poverty 10 50
Ignorance 6 30
Poor farming methods 4 20
Lack of time to prepare 0 0
food
Total 20 100

17
The table 4.3 shows that poverty is the most common cause of
malnutrition in the zone. It therefore shows that poverty account for
about 50% of malnourished cases followed by ignorance 50% and poor
farming methods respectively.
The implication here is that there is need to eradicate poverty in the zone
to help reduce malnutrition of children

4.4 Whether they agree that balanced diet can help reduce
malnutrition

Table 4.4: balanced diet can reduced malnutrition

Responses Frequency Percentage
Strongly agree 12 60
Agree 6 30
Disagree 2 10
Strongly disagree - 0
total 20 100

Source: field data

Table 4.4 above shows that many respondents strongly agree that when
children are given balance diet, they will not suffer from malnutrition.
This is supported by 60% respondents. The other respondents agreed as
supported by 30% and 2 respondents which accounts to 10% disagreed
on balance diet.

4.5 Failure of the mother to take their children to clinic

Teachers and parents were asked whether they agree or disagree that
failure of the mothers to take their children to clinic can lead to
malnutrition. Table 4.4 shows a summary of their responses in this
regard.

18
 Table4.5: Whether failure of the mother to take children to clinic
can lead to malnutrition.
Responses Frequency Percentage
Strongly agree 10 50
Agree 4 20
Disagree 2 10
Strongly disagree 4 20
Total 20 100

Source: field data

Table 4.5 shows that majority of the respondents strongly agreed that
failure of the mother to take their children to clinic regularly can lead to
malnutrition which translates to 50%. The other respondents agreed
translating to 20% while other two respondents were undecided which
make 20% and 10% strongly agreed on the question.

4.6 Problems faced by malnourished children

There are many problems faced by malnourished children in Mogoswok
zone and among them include poor academic performance, vulnerability
to diseases, frequent absenteeism, deficiency diseases, withdrawals e.t.c.
respondents in this study were asked to identify the main problems faced
by malnourished children. Their responses are indicated in table 4.6
Table 4.6 shows summary of responses
Responses Frequency Percentage
Poor academic 12 60
responses
Slow growth 6 30
Withdrawal 2 10
Playful 0 0
Total 20 100

19
Source: field data
Table 4.6 shows that poor performance is the most common problem
faced by malnourished children in the zone. There are also other
problems like slow growth withdrawals among others. It therefore shows
that poor academic performance account to 60%. This means that out of
100 children 60% of them are malnourished other respondents said slow
growth which accounts to 30% is a problem experienced by children and
mother group of respondents point withdrawal which is represented by
10%. The implication here is that there is need to address the issue of
malnutrition to curb poor academic performance among learners.

4. 7 Are malnourished children vulnerable to diseases

Teachers and parents were asked to agree whether malnourished
children are vulnerable to diseases.

Table 4. 7: shows a summary of their responses

Responses Frequency Percentage
Strongly agree 16 80
Agree 4 20
Disagree - 0
Strongly disagree - 0
Total 20 100

Source: field
According to table 4.7, respondents showed that they strongly agreed
that malnourished children are vulnerable to diseases which accounts to
80%. The other respondents agreed which constitute to 20%.

20
 4.8 How often do malnourished children attend school?
Teachers and parents were asked to show the extended to which the
malnourished children attend school. Table 4.8: shows are summary of
their responses in this regard.

Table 4.8: How often do malnourished children attend school?

Responses Frequency Percentage
Oftenly 4 60
Rarely 12 40
total 20 100

Source: field data

Table above shows that majority of the respondents said that
malnourished children oftenly attend school as accounted by 60% while
others respondent that 40% rarely attended school. This therefore
indicated that malnourished children need assistance to be able to
attend school regularly. There is need therefore to educate the parents to
end malnourished children in school.

4. 9 Main nutritional deficiency in schools

The respondents were asked to name main nutritional deficiency in their
schools. In this study the researcher wanted to establish the main
deficiency affecting children in the zone.
Table 4.9: Nutritional deficiency in schools
Deficiency Frequency Percentage
Kwashiorkor 4 20
Marasmus 12 60
Rickets 0 0
Anemia 4 20
Total 20 100

21
Source: field data
According to the table 4.9, respondents showed that the main nutritional
deficiency is marasmus which registered 60% followed by kwashiorkor
and anemia both supported by 20% respondents respectively. Generally
the zone is located in rid and semi arid lands, therefore there is no food
hence marasmus is the nutritional deficiency. There is need therefore to
work for alternative food and to educate the parents on importance of
providing enough food to their children.

4.10 Performance of malnourished children in games

In this study the researcher sought to find out the performance of
malnourished children in various games in various schools. In the
respondents were asked to agree or disagree whether malnourished
children perform well in games?" table 4.11 shows a summary of their
responses

Table 4.10 whether malnourished children perform in games

Responses Frequency Percentage
Strongly agree 0 0
Strongly disagree 14 70
Strongly disagree 6 30
Total 20 100

Source: field data

Table 4.10 shows that 14 respondents translating to 70% strongly
disagree those malnourished children perform well in games. The other 6
respondents translating to 30% agreed on the some. This shows that
majority of malnourished children perform poorly in games.

22
 4.11 Possible ways of curbing malnutrition.
The general factor responsible for children malnutrition 1s a senous
problem that needs an immediate solution from the stakeholders. This is
because as the number of children suffering from kwashiorkor and
marasmus. This leads poor academic performance slows growth among
others.

In this study, the researcher sought to find out the workable solutions to
curb the situation of malnutrition. A number of solutions were identified
and respondents including mainly teachers and parents were asked to
identify the best by casting their vote for each and every item as in
question. The subsequent sub- locations of this chapter show how
respondent reacted to the various solutions.

4.12 Main. ways of curbing malnutrition.

Teachers and parents asked to name the main ways of curbing
malnutrition. Table 4.13 shows a summary of their response
Table 4.11 way of curbing malnutrition.

Responses Frequency Percentage

Guidance and 4 20
counseling
Balance diet 14 70
Breast feeding 0 0
Government support 2 10
Total 20 100

Table 4.11 shows that majority of the respondent cited balance diet as
the main way of curbing malnutrition in Mogoswok zone. The other 4
respondents said guiding and counseling which translates to 20% is

23
another way of curbing malnutrition while 10% sai9d government
supports the option.
There is thus need to address the effects of malnutrition by sensitizing
the people to fed their children with food containing balance diet.

Edu.eating Parents On Importance Of Balanced Diet

the respondents were asked to agree or disagree whether when parents
are educated on importance of balanced diet malnutrition will be needed.

Tables 4.12 show the summary educating parents on importance of

balanced diet.
Responses Frequency Percentage
Agree 14 70
Disagree 4 20
Strongly disagree 2 10
Undecided 0 0
Total 20 100

Source field data

It is expected that education of parents on importance of balanced diet
will helps to solve the effects of malnutrition in Mogoswok zone. It is for
this reasons that researcher wanted to know whether the respondents
agree or disagrees.

Generally, respondents agreed which accounts to 70% as compared for

those who disagreed and 10% to those who strongly disagreed. This
means that stake holders play their role by educating parents in public
(barazas)

24
4.14 whether school feeding programm reduces absenteeism
The respondents were asked to agree or disagree whether school feeding
program can reduce absenteeism in schools. The table below shows the
summary.

Table 4.13: whether schools feeding program reduces absenteeism

Responses Frequency Percentage
Strongly agree 16 80
Strongly disagree 4 20
Undecided 0 0
Total 20 100

Source: field data

The table show that almost all respondents strongly agreed schools
feeding program adequately reduces absenteeism in most schools in the
zone.

This is evidently because 80% respondents strongly agreed while the rest
20% strongly disagreed.
The school feeding program in Mogowsok zone has been going on and
that is why most of the respondents hence experienced the impact and
they have strongly supported the program. The government therefore
needs to supply food regularly to all schools to solve the problem of
absenteeism.

25
4.14 Advices given to parents
Advice Frequency Percentage
Family planning 4 20
Regular medical 10 50
checkup
Crop farming 2 10
Avoiding cultural 4 20
practices
Total 20 100

Source: field data

According to table 4.14 respondents showed that a regular medical
checkup account to 50% is the best advice to be given to parents to curb
malnutrition. Consequently family and avoidance of cultural practices
accounting to 20% respectively were picked while crop farming which
attracted 10%
However, all the responses are ways of advising parents. regular medical
checkup attracted most respondents due to the fact that the zone
receives medical personal to sensitize and provide them with assistance
to curb malnutrition.

26
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND REMMEDATION

5.0 Introduction
This chapter shows the summary of findings, conclusion taken on each
finding and recommendations. The area for further research is also
indicated here.

5.1 Summary of findings

This study discovered that there are malnourished children in many
schools in Mogoswok zone as cited by (80%) respondents.
The study also discovered that there are many causes of malnutrition
among children in the zone which has been contributed by poverty; poor
farming methods and lack of time to prepare food. The main cause
poverty is as result of poor weather conditions which results to drying of
crops and conservation of animals and people.

Problems faced by malnourished children also featured in the study. The

study also found that most of the parents do not take their children to
clinic for medical checkup due to cultural beliefs. Some of the problems
faced by malnourished children include poor academic performance,
slow growth, and withdrawal from school among others.
However, the study discovered that malnourished children are vulnerable
to disease strongly as agreed by (80%) respondents. Other children also
do not attend school often as mentioned by (60%) respondents. The
researcher also noted that maramus was the main nutritional deficiency
disease which is prevalent in the zone because (60%) respondents
mentioned.

27
A number of intervention measures can be undertaken to boast
academic performance of children suffering from malnutrition. If
parents are guided and counseled on ways of managing malnutrition
children will do well in class. It is also evident that balanced diet
supported by (70%) is another way of curbing malnutrition among
children

It is also evident that in most schools (70%0 parents on importance of

balanced diet can help curb malnutrition. On the other hand (80%)
parents accepted that school feeding program also helps to reduce
absenteeism.

5.2 Conclusion
There are many malnourished children in the zone. The main cause of
malnutrition is poverty contributing about (60%) of malnutrition
cases. If this issues are addressed the children affected will be saved.
There is needed to take balanced diet especially in the case of growing
children. Educating parents on ways of curbing malnutrition is
necessary in Mogoswok.There is need for the government to come up
and create awareness on the effects of malnutrition as this will affect
learning in this geographical area.

However, children who have experienced prolonged periods of

malnutrition, infections or sensory impairment probably face
accumulated learning deficits that must be addressed. Pre-school
programs, nutritional supplementation for at risk infants toddler and
malnourished mothers, as well as parenting education will make
importance long term contribution to school achievement. School
snacks and breakfast also appear to be important tools over-coming
problems associated with short term hunger.

28
5.3 Recommendation
Basing on the findings of the study the researcher recommends that:
the government should put up preventive measures to reduce
malnutrition and save the young ones. Parents should also be more
careful in upbringing their children so that they are not attacked by
deficiency diseases which may retarded growth among their children
and impact negatively on their academic careers such measures may
include provision of foods rich in balanced diet, regular medical
attention.

The ministry of education needs to do something to boost academic

performances of malnourished children. This can be done through
provision of food to schools i.e. food programs.

Stakeholders and ministry of education officials should conduct

guidance and counseling session to try and encourages parents. This
will also change the negative attitudes most people have towards
malnutrition.

Parents of the affected children should seek guidance and counseling

from different personnel. Parents should also try to their level best to
maintain high standards of hygiene as this may contribute to the out
break of diseases. The community should be mobilized on the effects
of malnutrition on academic performance and the general well being
of their children. Doctors should be encouraged to recover stigma
attached to malnutrition.

29
 ~IBLIOGRAPHY

Anita Tull (1983); Food And Nutrition Oxford University Press (1987)
Homescience By Rai B. Dhillon Simi (1987).

Dr. K. Bagchi (1986). Guidelines For Training Community Health

Workers In Nutrient 2 nd Edition: World Health Organization England.

Eva Rickets, (1966), Health And You, 1st Edition, Macmillan Publishers,
London And Basingstoke

F.G Joseph (1978) Eating And Living Right 2 nd Edition. Kenya Literature
Bureau Nairobi
I
Harriet Karura Ndundi (1982); Food Nutrition For Schools And Colleges

Janie Hampton (1985); Happy, Health Children. A Child Care Book.

Marangu L.T Enthangatt I. (1993); Macmillan Secondary Home Science

Book One

Mumbi Mwangi, Olive Mugenda (1996), Primary Gold Metal Home

Science.

Slaughter V. Kirby M.E (1984), Why We Need Food Nutrition Explained

Sumati R. Mudambi and M.V Rajagopal (1996) Fundamental of Food

Nutrition 4 th Edition New Age International Limited, New Delhi

Wood C.H Glanvill H.de, Vaughan J.P (1981, 1997) African Medical and
Research Found

30
 APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: QUESTIONNAIRE FOR TEACHERS

The information will provide will be treated with confidential. Please read
the instructions for each question carefully before you give the answer.
Please tick where applicable

PERSONAL DATA
1. Name of your school.. .................................................. .
2. Your gender Male CJ Female CJ
3. To you agree that there are malnourished children in your school?

(i) Strongly agree

CJ
(ii) Agree CJ
(iii)
(iv)
Disagree
Strongly disagree
CJ
CJ
4. What do you think is the main cause of malnutrition 1n your
school?
CJ
(i)
(ii)
Poverty
Ignorance
CJ
(iii) Poor faring methods
CJ
(iv) Lack of time to prepJ~~..,}

5. Do you agree that when children are given balanced diet they will
not suffer from malnutrition?

(i) Strongly agree

31
(ii) Agree
(iii) Disagree CJ
(iv) Strongly disagree CJ
CJ
6. Do you agree that failure of the mother to take the child to clinic
can cause malnutrition?

(i) Strongly agree CJ

(ii) Strongly disagree CJ
(iii) Undecided CJ
7. Do you believe that underfed mothers tend to have smaller babies
who suffer from malnutrition?
( i) Strongly agree
(ii) Agree
(iii) Strongly disagree
(iv) Undecided

8. What do you think is the main problem faced by malnourished

children in your school?

(i) Poor academic performance

(ii) Slow growth
(iii) Withdrawn
(iv) Playful

9. Do you agree that malnourished children are vulnerable to

diseases?

(i) Strongly agree

(ii) Agree
(iii) Disagree
(iv) Strongly disagree

10. How often do malnourished children attend school?

(i) Oftenly
(ii) Rarely

11. What is the main nutritional deficiency in your school?

(i) Kwashiorkor CJ
(ii) Marasmus CJ
(iii)
(iv)
Rickets
Anemia
CJ
CJ
12. Do you agree that malnourished children can perform well 1n
games in your school?

(i) Strongly agree CJ

(ii) Strongly disagree CJ
(iii) Agree
CJ

13. What is the main way of curbing malnutrition in your school?

(i) Guidance and counseling parents

(ii) Balance diet
(iii) Breast feeding

33
(iv) Government support
CJ
14. Do you brief that when parents are educated on importance
balanced diet, malnutrition will be reduced?

(i) Agree CJ
(ii) Disagree CJ
(iii) Strongly
(iv) Undecided
CJ
CJ
15. Do you agree that when children are provided with school feeding
program, absentee in will be minimized?

(I) Strongly CJ
(ii)Strongly disagree CJ
(iii) Undecided
CJ
16. What advice can you give to your parents to curb malnutrition?

(i) Family planning

CJ
(ii) Regular medical checkup CJ
(iii) Crop farming CJ
(iv) Avoid cultural practices CJ

17. What can the government do to reduce malnutrition of school

going age children in your school?

(i) Awareness programs

CJ
(ii) Immunization programs CJ
(iii) Provision of food CJ
34
 Kampala International University
Institute of Open and Distance Learning
P O Box 20000 _Kansanga, Kan1pala, Uganda
256 41 373 498/ 256 41 373 889 (Ug) 254 20246275 (Ke)
.,. e-mail: efagbamiye@yahoo.com lel: 0753142725

Office ef the Director

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Dear Sir/Madam,

RE: INTRODUCTION LETTER FOR MS/MRS/MR .. $,~~~ .. J.:.~~ ~.f.4,(1)/

REG. # ..•. g.~ ...l. .1.$..~.~.!.L?..t...!.kE....
The above named is our student in the Institute of Open and Dis~ance Learning (IODL),
pursuing a Diploma/Bachelors degree in Education. ·

He/she wishes to carry out a ~esearch in your Organization on:

The research is a requirement for the Award of a I;l:i,pieAia.lBachelors degree in Education. !/S.-C-P ~
I

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