title: Knowledge of nutritional and health needs of children among rural residents of Enugu north senatorial zone in Enugu State, Nigeria.
abstract: The article assessed knowledge of the nutritional and health needs of children among rural dwellers in Nigeria. Focus group discussions were conducted with all male and female groups in four purposively chosen rural communities in Nsukka Senatorial zone of Enugu State. These generated data on participants' knowledge on the nutritional and health needs of the children as well as their socio-demographic characteristics. All the participants were married with mean age of 41 and 36 years for males and females, respectively. The participants had six and four children on the average for male and female participants, respectively. Findings show that participants demonstrate knowledge of basic dietary needs of children; however, actual practice is lacking. Men believe women have the sole responsibility for children's nutrition. Exclusive breastfeeding is not adhered to by participants. Some reservation still exists about immunization. Sustained health education on exclusive breastfeeding and child immunization targeting both sexes is still needed.
authors: Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria uzoma.okoye@unn.edu.ng.
authors: Uzoma O
authors: UO
authors: Okoye
authors: Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
authors: Christopher N
authors: CN
authors: Ngwu
authors: Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
authors: Perpetua L
authors: PL
authors: Tanyi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D015362:Child Nutrition Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012424:Rural Population; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: children; health; knowledge; nutrition; rural