Nutrition knowledge of caregivers in the Bulwer area of KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Caregivers’ nutrition knowledge is one of numerous key reasons for persistent malnutrition problems in young children. Therefore, it is critical to educate caregivers to assist them to improve their feeding methods. Malnutrition can be caused by a lack of nutrition knowledge and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children for a variety of reasons such as poverty, incorrect feeding habits, care practices, and food scarcity. The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge of caregivers regarding feeding and caring practices of children under five years in the Bulwer area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A quantitative exploratory survey design was used to collect data from mainly female caregivers (n=170) in rural Bulwer. Standardised questionnaires were utilised to collect the sociodemographic, care practices and nutrition knowledge of the caregivers. The majority of caregivers were knowledgeable about what a child should eat, but due to financial constraints they gave the children what they could afford and what was available to them. The caregivers were unable to identify foods from the same food groups in terms of general nutrition knowledge, possibly influenced by their traditional practices. There was evidence of nutrition knowledge gaps and an urgent need for caregiving practices to be improved. Age, education, family structure, and financial status of the caregiver are crucial caregiver characteristics in view of their impact on the caregivers’ knowledge of nutrition and feeding practices. Information about nutrient-dense foods offered in Bulwer should be made known to caregivers.