Browsing by Author "Wanyenda Leonard, Chilimo"

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    Accessibility and use of nutrition information in addressing underfive child malnutrition in Morogoro Urban, Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2002) Wanyenda Leonard, Chilimo
    This study was undertaken to examine the access to and use of nutrition information in addressing the problem of malnutrition in Morogoro urban district Tanzania. The study investigated the Maternal and Child Health clinics (MCH) nutrition information delivery systems; variables that determine accessibility and use of information; extent of the use of nutrition information in addressing malnutrition and the relationship between the information that mothers have and the nutritional status of their children. Survey research method was used for data collection whereby questionnaires and face-to-face interviews were used for data collection. The study found that although the MCH health and nutrition education sessions are an important aspect in disseminating nutrition information to mothers, these sessions are seldom conducted and the attendance of mothers to these sessions is poor; awareness of mothers concerning different nutritional aspects is still low due to lack of information; and education is the most important variable that determines use and access to nutrition information. The study concludes that: Access to reliable nutritional information is an important aspect in addressing child malnutrition and therefore efforts should be made to ensure that mothers have access to adequate and reliable nutritional information. The study recommends the establishment of information units within the MCH clinics; frequent organization of nutrition seminars for mothers; and that nutrition information providers in MCH clinics should pay more attention to the less educated women.