Factors Influencıng Physıcal Development Of The Chıldren: Yvealth Of The Famılıes and Nutrıtıon Knowledge Of Mothers

Abstract

This study was performed on 200 women and their children, 0-36 months of age, in three villages of Sivas, in 1989. Nutrition knowledge of literate women were found significantly better than of the illiterates (p<0.05). 26.5% of the children vvere found malnourished according to either the weight or height standarts by age. Malnutrition vvas found significantly frequent in children 7 and över months of age than in 0-6 months of age infants. Number of living children (>3 children)and history of infant death of the families and nonexistence of a health institution in the village were found significantly influential factors on the development of malnutrition, whereas nutrition knowledge of mothers and vvealth of the families vvere not. It was concluded that lack of family interest and disregarding due to having a lot of living children and lack of motivation that should be succeeded by health staff might be more effective on child development.