Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of maternal education on children nutritional level.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Pediatric department of Tehsil Head Quarter Hospital and Newcity Teaching Hospital Mirpur AJK for duration of six months. All the data were gathered by using self-structured questionnaire. Anthropometric data were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.
Results: A total of 120 participants were included in the study. There were 66 (55%) female children while male children were 54 (45%). We found that 48 (40%) mothers were illiterate, while primary, middle and college/university level education was observed in 36 (30%), 24 (20%) and 12 (10%) mothers, respectively. Based on nutritional status of the children, 54 (45%) of the children were normal while 66 (55%) were malnourished. Statistically significant association was observed between mother education and undernourishment of their children (p=0.001).
Conclusion: The level of maternal literacy had a distinct and considerable impact on the children nutritional condition. To counteract this ever-increasing burden of malnutrition, it is essential to implement long-term programs both at national or regional levels to improve women's literacy in our country.

Key words: Children, maternal education, nutritional status.