Assessment of Nutrition Knowledge Among Parents of Pre-School Children in Anambra State

Parental nutrition knowledge is a key determinant of young children's dietary quality, and assessing its adequacy in Anambra State provides a basis for parent nutrition education programmes integrated with ECDE services in South East Nigeria. This study assessed nutrition knowledge and practices among parents of children aged 2 to 5 years attending pre-school in Awka South and Onitsha North Local Government Areas, Anambra State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with 200 parents using a validated Parental Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire. Results showed that overall nutrition knowledge was adequate in only 43 percent of respondents. Knowledge about micronutrients was particularly low, with only 29 percent able to identify two age-appropriate sources of each required micronutrient. Dietary variety practices were moderate, with 58 percent of parents reporting daily fruit and vegetable provision. Exclusive breastfeeding knowledge was better than solid food introduction knowledge. Mothers with secondary education showed significantly higher nutrition knowledge. Knowledge was not uniformly translated into practice, with 36 percent of knowledgeable parents still providing inappropriately processed snacks daily. The study concludes that nutrition knowledge gaps are significant and that knowledge-practice gaps require behavioural as well as informational interventions. Recommendations include nutrition modules in ECDE parent meetings, integration of nutrition counselling into nursery school enrolment procedures, and community nutrition volunteers in Anambra State LGAs.

Keywords: nutrition knowledge, parents, pre-school children, Anambra State, early childhood nutrition