THE EFFECT AND CAUSES OF POOR NUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 15 YEARS: A CASE STUDY OF EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE.

ABSTRACT
The study investigated the causes and effects of poor nutrition among children under the age of 15 years: A case study of Egor local government area of Edo state area Anambra state, Nigeria. This study used survey design to find out the causes and effects of poor nutrition on children and the simple random sampling was used to select the sample. The instrument used for data collection was structured questionnaires; the questionnaires were developed based on the objectives of the research work experienced. The result showed that the level of education of parents are not adequate 35 (17.5% ) malnourishment of children in the area ranked second 25 (12.5%) followed by lack of adequate education of parents affects the nutrition of their children 120 60%) therefore level of education of parents contribute to poor nutrition of their children it can be seen that poor nutrition reduces the intelligence of children under the age of 15 years The children were not eating balanced Diet 84 (42%) was the highest problem associated with poor nutrition which lead to poor academic performance of children 68 (34%) also some children in the area are not even going to school 28 (14%) and the wisdom of children were too poor 20 (10%).The Medical staff in the location always create awareness on the important of good nutrition 150 (75%) while 50 (25%) agreed that Poverty is the major cause of poor nutrition. Poor nutrition among children is a major public health problem, it is a critical problem because its effects are long lasting and go beyond childhood. It has both short and long term consequences.

1.3 Statement Of Problem
Poor nutrition in children is a common global problem and may result in both short and long term irreversible negative health outcomes, it normally affect children because they are in a period of rapid growth that increases the demand for calories and proteins. In recent times poor nutrition causes a variety of different health problems in both adults and children. Poor nutrition can result from failure to eat enough or failure to choose the right kinds of foods it is in view of making recommendations on amounts to consume from each food groups to attain proper nutrition
1.4 Purpose of the study
To investigate the effect and causes of poor nutrition among children under the age of 15 years: A case study of Egor local government area of Edo state.

1.5 Research questions
1. Does level of education of parents contribute to poor nutrition in children.
2. Do you know that poor nutrition reduces the intelligence of children under the age of 15 years?
3. Do you know that poor nutrition can lead to death of a child and also exposes children to some diseases?
4. Does good nutrition and proper feeding of children under the age of 15years, important in developing children intellectual.
5. Do you know that poverty and social economic status of parents are the major causes of poor nutrition in children under the age of 15 years?

1.6 Significance of the study
The significance of the study is to create awareness on the devastating effects of poor nutrition on children under the age of 15 years and to educate parents on the control and elimination of poor nutrition on children.

1.7 Limitations of the study
In carrying out this research, the researcher experienced some setbacks and some cases were crippled by many factors, some of which are:
1. Time factor.
2. The geographical area to cover from the research which is practically too much.
3. Financial constraint – this was the major constraint basically in this work, because of the economic depression in the country.