Title

SOCIOECONOMIC PROFILE AND NUTRITIONAL BELIEFS IN RELATION TO PRACTICES AND OUTCOMES AMONG
PRESCHOOL CHILDREN OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS

Author(s)

RACHEL JOY MACARO

SHAIRA MEGAN D. MENDOZA

MERVIN JAY MICULOB

JYVH B. OCTAO

SUSIE MARIE S. MUAÑA

Affiliation

Misamis University

Degree Program

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Contributor

Duyag, Merasol

Santos, Susan N.

Go, Maebil Marie B.

Elmedulan, Ginalyn C.

Year

2024

Abstract

Nutrition is crucial for health and development, significantly impacting child health, immune systems, and disease risk. Despite its importance, malnutrition remains a global challenge. This study investigates the relationship between socioeconomic profile (SEP), nutritional beliefs, practices, and outcomes among preschool children in rural households. SEP includes ethnicity, education, and income, while cultural and social factors shape nutritional beliefs and practices and refer to dietary habits. Outcomes are measured by stunting and wasting. Data was collected using a modified questionnaire and analyzed using mean, standard Deviation, and Pearson correlational study in a non-experimental correlational study. Respondents included mothers and direct caregivers of 42 preschool children in a Non-governmental Foundation Feeding Program at a Molave, Zamboanga del Sur school. Key findings indicate a Cebuano-dominated sample, mostly housewives with a monthly income of 1,000-5,000 pesos. While nutritional beliefs and practices were high, no significant relationship was found between dietary practices and SEP factors such as income, education, or ethnicity. Half of the children had normal nutritional status, but a significant portion experienced stunting. A notable correlation existed between nutritional beliefs and food choices. The study underscores the need for strategies that consider economic status and cultural beliefs to improve nutritional practices among rural preschoolers. Recommendations include community involvement, school collaboration, and targeted health programs to bridge the gap between nutritional beliefs and actual practices.

Keywords

dietary practices, educational attainment, ethnicity, food choices, income, nutritional beliefs, nutritional outcomes