Influence of Parental Nutritional Knowledge on Toddlers’ Dietary Practices in Egbeda Local Government Area, Oyo State

This study investigated the influence of parental nutritional knowledge on toddlers’ dietary practices in Egbeda Local Government Area, Oyo State. The study was motivated by the high prevalence of malnutrition among children under five in Nigeria, with evidence suggesting that parental knowledge significantly affects dietary behaviors during early childhood. The research aimed to assess the level of parents’ knowledge on toddler nutrition, evaluate their actual feeding practices, examine the nutritional status of toddlers, and identify socioeconomic and cultural barriers to healthy feeding. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was adopted. Data were collected from 150 parents and caregivers of toddlers aged 1–3 years across four communities: Olodo/Kumapayi, Osegere/Awaye, Egbeda, and Olode/Alakia. A structured questionnaire comprising six sections was used to gather information on demographic data, nutritional knowledge, feeding practices, child growth, economic influences, and dietary intake. Additionally, anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were taken to assess toddlers’ nutritional status. Descriptive statistics (mean, frequency, percentage) and inferential statistics (chi- square tests and regression analysis) were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that 62% of respondents had moderate knowledge of toddler nutrition, but only 45% practiced adequate dietary diversity. There was a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.05) between parental nutritional knowledge and toddler dietary practices. Socioeconomic status, educational attainment, and cultural beliefs were major constraints influencing food choices and feeding patterns. Furthermore, toddlers whose parents demonstrated higher nutritional knowledge showed better anthropometric outcomes, such as appropriate weight-for-age and height-for-age ratios. The study concluded that while knowledge exists among parents, application is hindered by practical limitations. It recommends that community health programs and targeted nutrition education be strengthened to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, especially in low-income settings.
Keywords: Parental nutritional knowledge, Toddler feeding, Dietary practices, Malnutrition, Anthropometry, Egbeda, Nigeria.