Socio Economic and Environmental Challenges Contributing to Child Malnutrition in Village Sikandarpur Hairpur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

This research is qualitative, and the research design is exploratory and aims to explore the challenges, coping mechanisms, and health-seeking behavior of parents of children under 5 years of age. The locale for this research was BHU Sikandarpur, Haripur, Hazara KPK, Pakistan. Data was collected using qualitative methods, including interviewing, participant observation, and review of documents like daily diaries and jotting. Interviews were conducted with healthcare workers and parents of malnourished children to get an in-depth understanding of their concerns, worked closely with these parents to get first-hand experience. One important finding of the research was that socioeconomic status, environmental factors, and parental care all played a significant role in children's health. There were multiple barriers that parents face in providing proper nutrition to their children including lack of finances, food insecurity, lack of health education, and cultural practices. The study found that these factors could contribute to children's malnourishment and affect their overall well-being. The study also revealed that healthcare professionals face multiple challenges in providing care to malnourished children, including difficulties with administration, mental health, and other general challenges. The lack of resources, minimal workforce, overcrowded facilities, long waiting hours, and lack of empathy among the hospital staff added in making the situation more precarious. The study highlights the importance of faith, hope, strong will, and dedication as coping mechanisms among such parents. Despite the challenges, many parents demonstrated a deep sense of responsibility to keep their children safe and secure their futures. Parents were seen as determined to keep their children's health in  good condition and tried their best to feed them properly, even though they had to sacrifice their meals. Programs focusing on women like educating them on health, family planning, providing skill training, and creating job opportunities will empower the women and make them self-sufficient reduce the risk of poverty and malnutrition in children.