Abstract:
Background: Globally, malnutrition among children is one of the most
challenging and critical public health problem, and it remains one of the most
common causes of morbidity and mortality among children under the age of
5 years. There is no exception for the Vhembe District.
Purpose: The study determined the perceptions of young mothers regarding
causes of malnutrition in children under the age of 5 years in the Vhembe
District, of the Limpopo Province.
Methodology: This study used qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and
contextual design to collect data among young mothers regarding causes of
malnutrition in children under 5 years. Twelve young mothers were sampled
using probability, simple random sampling at selected hospitals population.
In-depth individual interviews were used to collect data and analysed using
Tesch’s steps. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical consideration
were adhered to throughout the study.
Results: Three themes emerged from the analysed data, namely: Young
mothers’ perceived causes of malnutrition, young mother’s beliefs about
malnutrition, and health care seeking actions for a malnourished child.
Recommendations: This study recommend a strategies to integrate young
mothers into the health promotion regarding their understanding and
experiences about malnutrition. Policies on child nutrition should be reviewed
regularly in the Vhembe District for prevention and management of
malnutrition in children under 5.
