AN INVESTIGATION ON EFFECTS OF POOR NUTRITION ON PHYSICAL

DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AGED 3-4 IN MULANGO ZONE KATULANI

SUB-COUNTY KITUI COUNTY.

Name of institution

Kitui Dicece

Name of Student

Elizabeth Kathini Kitonyo

Index Number

13302002033

Unit Name

Research Project

Unit Code

6017

A research project submitted to Kenya National Examination Council as a partial

Fulfillment for the award of Diploma in Early Childhood Development and Education.

DECLARATION.
Name of Supervisor
Mr. Kimanzi
Date of Submission ______________________________________

This Project is my own true original work and has not been submitted for examination in
Kenya National Examinational Council.

Name: Elizabeth Kathini Kitonyo

Signature: _________________________
Date: _______________________________

This research Project has been submitted to the Kenya National Examinational Council
with my approval as the college supervisor.
Supervisor Name: _________________________
Signature: _______________________________
Date: ___________________________________

DEDICATION.
The Project is dedicated to my husband Christopher Mwendwa and children Jacob Mumo
and Nancy Mueni who changed their lifestyle to allow me pursue this course.

Glory be to God.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
My delight and heartfelt gratitude goes to my trainers.
Special gratitude to Mr. Kimanzi who guided me at every step to be followed writing the
project.
Special appreciation to my colleagues and friends particularly who in one way the other
contributed widely to this study.

ABSTRACT
The main purpose of the study was to find out to investigate the effects of poor nutrition
in physical development in Mulango Zone, Katulani Sub-County. It organizes to find out
barriers which slow down their efforts and proposed possible strategies to be used. The
document contains the background of the study which talks about the poor nutrition of
the children aged 3-4 and its effects on physical development. It has the statement of the
problem of food shortages in Kenya which results to effects of poor nutrition on Physical
development especially in semi-arid areas.Kitui is one of them. This problem continues
up to the area of study in Mulango Zone. It also has the purpose of the study which
explains why the proposal was carried and its objectives. It contains significance of the
study, delimitations and limitations of the study and operational definition of terms. In
chapter two three is related literature of the proposal, food group and importance of
nutrition. Deficiency disorders causing symptoms and possible measures to eradicate
poor nutrition. In chapter three will be sampling techniques and sample size, the proposal
instrument which the researcher will use in research. There will also be limitation of the
study. Data will be analyzed using different methods like tables, diagrams and
percentages. In chapter four there will be research findings which will be analysed
through tables, graphs and pie charts. Chapter five presents of the research conclusions
and recommendations of the study.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Page

PRELIMINARY SECTION
i
TITLE PAGE ..
ii
DECLARATION
.
iii
DEDICATION ..
iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
v
ABSTRACT .
vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 introduction
1
1.1 Background information of the study ..
1-2
1.2 Statement of the problem .
3
1.3 Purpose of the study ....
3
1.4 Objectives of the study.
3
1.5 Significance of the study
3

1.6 Delimitations and limitations of the study .

3
1.7 Operational

definition

of

terms

..

3- 4
CHAPTER TWO- LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0

Introduction

5
2.1

Physical

development

5
2.2 Food groups and importance of nutrition .
6
2.3 Deficiency disorders causes and symptoms
7-9
2.4 Possible measures to eradicate poor nutrition
9 -10
CHAPTER THREE - METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction

11

3.1 Proposal design

11

3.2 Location of the study ..

11

3.3 Target population

12

3.4 Sampling techniques and sample size..

12-14

3.5 Proposal instrument..

15- 16

3.6 Data analysis

16

CHAPTER FOUR
4.0. Introduction.

17

4.1 Background of schools under study.

18

4.2 Data Analysis

19

4.3Research findings/results

20

CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Introduction .

21

5.1Conclution .

22

5.2 Recommendation.

23

6.0References .

24

7.0 Appendices ..

25

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

In this chapter the researcher will outline the background information of the study, the
problem statement, general purposes of the study, delimitation and limitation and
operational definitions of terms.
1.1 Background information of the study
In an area of the world wide communication the comparison of the life in limited states
with that in remote villages of Africas Latin America and Asia is an every part of the
news. Many Americans are deeply moved by the graphic details of famine, yet have only
vague understanding of why the problem seem too complex and remote to become
personally involved.Psychologists challenge us to see how individual lifestyle and food
choices can impact on world health issues.
Malnutrition or poor nourishment can result few or too many calorie and nutrients. The
quality and quantity of the diet may be deficient. Throughout history periodic drought
and welfare have produced food shortages that led to starvation or death from lack of
food. Such countries include Somalia, Burundi, Rwanda whom their children suffer a lot
from malnutrition and especially physical development unlike children in Mulango Zone
Katulani sub-county Kitui County.
Kenya has been affected by drought due to lack of enough rainfall and also war after
election caused some plantations being burned down. In Kenya also in semi-arid areas
children of 3-4 years have food shortages which result to malnutrition and physical
development.
Such areas are Moyale, Isiolo, and also Kitui among others. Famine and extreme food
shortages are likely today as a result of worldwide food relief efforts. Chronic under
nutrition is the major problem in many parts of the world. A personal nutritional status
degree of nutritional health can be assessed physical biochemical and dietary information.
Physical assessment includes observation of appearance and measurement of height,
weight and skin fold thickness. Due to lack of enough calories and proteins will result to
marasmus and kwashiorkor diseases which result when calories intake is deficient.

Characteristics of kwashiorkor include brownish hair and protruding stomach caused by

oedema. Nutritional well being is influenced by biological environmental political and
social forces. Due to these problems of poor nutrition in Mulango zone the resources has
decided to carry out the proposal.

1.2 Statement of the problem

In Kenya there is a problem of food which result especially in semi-arid areas such as
Isiolo, Moyale, Wajir and Kitui. Severe and lengthy malnutrition is detrimental to
physical growth (Grantha, McGregon, Ani and Fernal 2001).Some of the fluent well
educated parents almost starve their children by feeding them the low fat- low calorie diet
they eat themselves. Diets designed for adult weight loss and prevention of heart diseases
may actually retard growth and development of children.
Children whose mothers had been given nutritional supplements during pregnancy and
who themselves had been given more nutrition high calorie foods in their first two years
of life were more active more involved more helpful with their peers less anxious and
happier than their counterparts who had been given nutritional supplements. This needs to
give children a nutritional diet.
For those reasons and many others the researcher will set out to carry a research on the
effects of poor nutrition on children aged 3-4 years old in Mulango zone Katulani subcounty Kitui County.

1.3 Purpose of the study

The purpose of the study is to investigate on the effects of poor nutrition on children aged
3-4 years old in Mulango zone Katulani sub-county Kitui county and possible ways to
improve nutrition in that area.
1.4 Objectives of the study

To investigate on the effects of poor nutrition on physical development.

To identify the food deficiency disorders, their causes and symptoms.
To find possible measures to eradicate poor nutrition problem in the zone.

1.5 Significance of the study.

The study will benefit the parents; they will be able to know effects of poor nutrition in
their children and possibly come up with possible intervention measures on those
children who have been affected. Teachers will also know how to balance the means for
their children to prevent malnutrition.
1.6 Delimitation and limitation of the study.
1.6.1 Delimitations.
The study is on the effects of poor malnutrition on physical development in Mulango
zone, Katulani sub-county Kitui County. It will be carried out in public. The study will be
carried out in ECDE centers of children aged 3-4 years old. The research will investigate
on effects of poor nutrition on physical development as a major factor.
1.6.2

Limitations.

There will be financial constraints although finally managed to go through. Time factor
will be a problem since the researcher will have limited time to carry out the research and
meet children needs in school.
1.7 Operational definition of terms
NUTRITION Process through which the body makes use of nutrients.
OEDEMA Swelling as a result of lack of nutrients.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Change in growth and level of functioning.

ERADICATE Wipe out.

GROWTH Increase in physical size, height and weight.
HEALTH A state of complete physical, mental, social and emotional well-being of
an individual.
MALNUTRITION Poor feeding.
DEFICIENCY DISORDER Disease caused by poor nutrition.
DENSELY POPULATED With many people.

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction.
This chapter gives literature review related to the study.
EFFECTS OF POOR NUTRITION ON PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT.
POOR NUTRITION.
Malnutrition comes as a result of feeding which results to poor feeding which results to
nutrition. A child who does not feed well may suffer from nutritional diseases. It is
important that children eat the most nutritious foods without falling sick often. A poor fed
child is usually weak and easily attacked by diseases. There poor feeding and frequent
attacks by diseases contribute to malnutrition and high mortality rate.
2.1 Physical development.
It involves body growth and motor development. Children gain few pounds and grow
fewer inches at an age until puberty. The child gains 2kg weight and 20 centimeters
height. This age of pre-school years the bones become longer, thicker and harder. This
however continues in pre-school years and enables the child to participate in various
activities.
If the child is affected by poor nutrition the child becomes weak and physically affected.
Childs appearance changes. Among young children at least quarter are under weight.
Years the bones become longer, thicker and harder. This however continues in pre-school
years and enables child to participate in various activities.
If the child is affected by poor nutrition the child becomes weak and physically affected.
Childs appearance changes. Among young children at least quarter are under weight. 820% of the children in under developed countries die compared to 1 in developed
countries. According to Rutisha, user and white who did a study in Ugandas children
aged 3-4 years old they observed that children in rural environments were under
nourished and spent 15 of a given time to activities such as walking, running while wellnourished children spent 35 35 of their time on such activities.

In physical growth and development stunning is a common indicator of chronic

malnutrition or poor nutrition. It also believed that restriction of energy delayed the onset
of puberty available evidence also shows that children who watch TV not only takes them
away from more robust activities but also exposes them to commercials that are most
often surged candy and empty calorie food. Research shows us that school aged children
are significantly overweight ad not physically fit. The more these children stay obese the
more likely to carry it right to adulthood.
2.2 Food groups and importance of nutrition.
A balanced diet d a meal that provides the body with all what it needs in right proportion.
Nutrition is an important as well as feeding child which helps to utilize local foods. Also
keeps virtual body process working. It creates energy that is necessary for everyday
working. Food choices eating for health by Mary Jo Turckwel, says that achieving the
nutrition does not require a magic formula or expensive supplements. The recipe for
nutrition power begins with well balanced diet. For children to have a balanced diet
should be given all types of foods which is necessary for the development of a child.
Those foods include vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals salts fats oils and water.
Each type has its importance.
CARBOHYDRATES.
These are foods that are rich in nutrients that provide energy in all body. The energy is
required to help one perform various activities such as working, playing and other. For
children to obtain energy they are supposed to feed with food rich in carbohydrates such
as milk, potatoes, honey, cabbages, yams, grains, root tubers and others.
PROTEINS
These are body building foods which help in making antibodies which help in fighting
diseases and regularly somebody processes such as facilitation of normal growth,
repairing of worn out tissues. For children to have body building food they should eat
beans, groundnuts, milk, fish, peas, green grams and others.
VITAMINS

These are complex substances that are found in food, they are important as they help
speed up the chemical reaction that constantly takes place in the body. They can be solid
or water soluble. Vitamin B and C are water soluble while vitamins ADE and K are solid
soluble. These vitamins can be obtained by eating foods such as fish, milk, eggs, carrots,
and kidney all dark green vegetables, jam, sunflower, yeast and others.
FATS AND OILS
Provide energy in the body. It acts as insulator against cold. It helps in growth of health
skin. These can be obtained from groundnuts, soya beans and simsim.
MINERALS
These are elements that cannot be made by human body. They are provided from plants
and animal resources.
WATER
This is a liquid substance taken in by animals and plants which maintain life. Water is
very essential in the body and it accounts two thirds of body weight. Three liters of water
is necessary to be taken in by healthy person. Water helps the body to do the following:
axcretewaste materials carry out nutrients to various parts of the body. It protects internal
organs and helps in digestion and metabolism.
2.3 Deficiency disorders causes and symptoms.
Kwashiorkor
This disease occurs in children between 6 months and 5 years of age.
Causes
It is caused by lack of enough proteins or body building food in the diet.
Symptoms

It prevents itself with failure to thrive

Oedema swelling as a result of lack of proteins
The child develops pot belly

Has little resistance to diseases

Has thin straight and weak hair which falls off easily
Is unhappy and miserable
Has flaky dry skin
Body color becomes pale
The child becomes anemic and very weak

Marasmus
It is a disease that occurs in young children and characterized by failure to grow. The
affected children are short and light for their age.
Causes
It is caused by lack of enough food in the body
Symptoms

The child looks very weak

Feels hungry all the time
Looks very thin and underweight
Look alert
Has face that looks like for an old man

Anaemia
This is a dangerous disease among children. It is a disease which the quality of the blood
gets poor of lack of red blood cells.
Causes

It is caused by lack of sufficient iron in the blood

Insufficient production of red cells
Loss of blood due to excessive bleeding
Destruction of blood cells due to diseases such as malaria, dysentery and bilharzia

being invested by hook worms.

Not eating food rich in iron

Symptoms

Frequent headaches
Weakness and lack of energy. Rapid heart beats
Child becomes tired easily
Paleness of lips, eyelids, fingernails, hands, tongue and gums

Obesity

Obesity means overweight

It also means child excessive fat

Causes

Overeating
Doing little work (inactive)
Hormonal imbalance

2.4 Possible measures to eradicate poor nutrition

Poor nutrition leads to malnutrition. Malnutrition means poor feeding

Therefore it is important for parents to learn how to combine the locally available

food properly so that either children feed on a well balanced diet

Breastfeeding mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed their children long

enough at least 2 years

They should feed their children many times as possible to prevent marasmus
They should also keep animals which will provide the family with milk and meat
Plant enough crops for their families
Stop any bleeding immediately
Children should be treated from anaemia immediately
Provide children with a lot of food which contains iron
Children should be given a certain amount of food according to age and activities

they are undertaking

Provide a well balanced diet all time to the children
Charlotte A Resnick and Gloria F Resnick said that the children diseases can be
prevented by fighting immunisable diseases and eating balanced diet

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction
In this chapter the researcher will discuss on methodology i.e. Research, location of the
study, target population, sampling techniques and sampling size, research instruments and
data analysis.
3.1 Research design
In this research study, the researcher will use correlation method because it includes all
studies in which the purpose is to discover relationship between variables through the use
of the co-ordination statistics.
Research design is the mostly used in social science
It seeks to find out the presence and nature of the relationship that exist between variables
Advantages
One can study relationship between variables
Disadvantages
Does not allow interference on cause and effect relationship
3.2 Location of the study
The research will be carried out in Mulango zone Katulani sub-county Kitui County.
It is about 20 Kilometers south west of Kitui town.
It has 20 pre-schools.
It is a semi-arid area with thorny bushes.
Farming is done in small scale. Some people keep cattle (indigenous) and exotic which
provide milk and meat. Goats and children are also reared.

The community sells their farm products and livestock to meet their daily needs. Few
vegetables (sukumawiki and tomatoes) are grown along Kalundu River. Most buildings
are semi-permanent with thatched roofs; this is because of poverty in the area. The
community is mostly religious.
3.3 Target population
There are 20 pre-schools in Mulango Zone Katulani sub county Kituicounty. Teachers 30
since some ECDE centers have 2 teachers per school. There is only one (1) office of the
tack tutor in Mulango Zone. However, researcher targets children aged 3-4 years in these
schools.
3.4 Sampling techniques and sample size.
The target population was 20 schools out of which three pre-schools would be selected
through a systematic sampling. The researcher will list all the names of 20 pre-schools
randomly. She wanted 3 pre-schools on which she will select the sample.
Number of pre-schools 20
Number of needed 3 pre-schools = 20/3 approximately 7
Take one number between 1-7 which will be 4 then start from 5 th number to 7th number.
You will find that the next number is 11 then start counting from 12 th to the 7th number
you will find that the next number is 18 then circle numbers 4 11 and 18 these will be the
three pre-schools to be used in the study. The researcher names the pre-schools chosen as
A, B and C respectively.
Systematic Sampling

1
2
3
4

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

5
6

9
10

8
9

19
20

Advantages

Easy to collect data

Quick method
Saves time

Disadvantages

The researcher may line out crucial data in the target population
Poor sampling may make generalization difficult

10% of the total number of children aged 3-4 years from selected pre-schools will be
used as sample in the study. Total number of children from 3 selected pre-schools. 10%
will be used as a sample in the study.
Number of pre-schools

Number of Children

Percentage

90

10%

10 X 90 = 9
100
From these tables 9 children will be used as subjects from 3 pre-schools
The number of children to be included in the sample from each pre-school will be
selected through random sampling.

Pre-school A had 4 children.

Pre-school B had 3 children.
Pre-school C had 5 children.
The sample had to have 3 children from each school.

Diagrammatic representation of random from each school

PRE-SCHOOL A

1ST picking at a random

2nd picking at a random

3rd picking at a random

PRE-SCHOOL B
There will be no sampling because the number of children needed was 3 and the preschool had 3 children.

PRE-SCHOOL C
4

1ST picking at a
random
3.5 Research instruments

2nd picking at a

3rd picking at a

random

random

The research will use the following data instrument

i)

Observation schedule.

Under this method the researcher will observe and note down the behavior.
These describe observed phenomenon as they are in their natural setting.
Information obtained under this method relates to what is currently happening.
It is not complicated by either the post behavior or failure intentions or attitude.
Advantages

Researcher directs observes everybody behavior

It is possible to get accurate data
Real natural behavior can be observed and recorded

Disadvantages

ii)

Slow and expensive method

One cant control the conditions
Observation doesnt tell us cause and effects
The presence of observer may influence behavior
Interview
These are set of questions an interviewer asks when interviewing respondent face
to face

The questions are asked as exactly as they are on the guide.

These help the researcher to gather all the information from the interviewers.
Disadvantages

Time consuming and expensive

It is a slow method of data collection
Respondent may not give accurate information

iii)
Questionnaire
Are list of questions given to the respondent to fill. The questions can be closed or

open ended.
The researcher will distribute the questionnaire scripts to some caregivers and
pre-school teachers. This will help the teacher to collect information clearly and
next to the truth.

Advantages

A quick method of collecting data

Not expensive

Disadvantages

Not easy to clarify ambiguous questions in a mailed questionnaire

Incorrect data may be given by the respondent if they dont understand some

questions.
If some questions are not answered there will be some gaps.
Questionnaires may not be returned

3.6 Data analysis

Data will be analyzed through the use of tables, graphs, percentage and pie charts. This is
because they will be easy for stakeholders to interpret clearly and comprehend the data
than using words or descriptions.

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION

4.0 Introduction
This is an investigation to find out effects of poor nutrition on physical development of
children aged between 3-4 years old .the finding will be analysed through tables
,graphs ,pie charts and percentages.

How many teachers

Trained or untrained

No. of children

No. of parents

Buildings

permanent

Semi-permanent

Source of water

Feeding programme

School

When Established

4.1 Background of schools under study samples schools

1974

Trained

50

30

Tap

Feeding

A
School

1986

Trained

30

17

Tanks

in

Tanks

school
Feeding

in

School

From

school
Feeding

the

in

river

school

1993

Trained

15

10

4.2 Data analysis

Table 1 age analysis table
This is a population table of 3 preschools according to their ages and sex 3 -4 year s
Age

no. of Children

Girls

boys

40

23

17

30

17

13

20

12

This table shows that there were 90 children

in these pre-schools .It shows that girls

were move that boys.

Table 2
Physical appearance of children from 3 pre-schools
POPULATION 90 CILDREN
Physical appearance

3 year 4year 5 years total

percentage

Knocked knees

40

40

30

90

100%

Swollen face

10

20

22%

Bow legged

2%

Aged face appearance

12

13%

Exercise fatness

14

10%

Pale skin /eyes

9%

Rough skin

14

16%

Protruding stomach

10%

According to the table

children who had similar physical appearance and their

percentages.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.

Swollen stomach 20/90 x100 =22%

Knocked knees 11/90 x 100=12%
Swollen face 2/90 x 100 =2%
Bow legged 12/90 x 100=13%
Excessive fatness 5/90 x 100=9%
Paleskin 14/90 x 100=10%

Physical Appearance
Graph 1
25

20
knocked knees

15

swollen stomach
.
Bow legged

10

pale skin/eyes
Column1

0
Physical appearance

Observation checklist
Physical activities table

Table 1
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
Poor
Play
Jumping
Throwing
Skipping
Hopping
Running
Writing
Playing
Bouncing balls
Kicking
Walking
Playing
Jumping
Running
Catching balls
Running
Catching balls
Kicking

PERFOMANCE
Fair

Good

Very good

Walking
The table school that children with disorders can try things but cant do best
KEY
X -

Can try the activity

cant do the activity

Table 2
Sign of possible deficiency disorder
DISEASE

SYMPTOMS FREQUENCY CUMULATIVE

pot belly

///

60%

Swollen limbs

///

60%

FREQUENCY
KWASHIORKOR

Paleness of skin

//

60%

Pinky air

///

60%

MARASMUS

Stunted growth

////////

10

80%

Aged Face

/////

10

50%

Disinterest in play

/////

Activities

//////////

10

60%

Easily Irritated

/////////

10

80%

Pale kin

/////

80%

Swollen face

///

60%

Looks very tired

///

60%

ANAEMIA

OBESITY

Excessive fatness

20%

RICKET

Bow legged

//

40%

Knocked Knees

20%

Ankle joints

20%

NB: This table shows the affected children and their percentages
Pie chart: Nutritional diseases

percentage

kwashiorkor
marasmus
anaemia
rickets
obesity

Linear graph

Series 1
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
marasmus

kwashiorkor

anaemia

obesity

rickets

This pie chart shows that children suffer b from kwashiorkor ands marasmus
From the table on physical activities it shows that poor nutrition has led to poor
performance in physical activities I physical activities .The locally available food in
Mulango Zone Katulani division in Kitui m County should nbe provided

to

improve

be

nutrition

in the zone .Food

like milk and milk products should

provided .Meat from indigenous cattle and goats

Poultry and their products e.g. eggs, meat, vegetables
vegetables should be provided.
Nutritional diseases

Bar graph

and every

green

leafy

Series 1
90
80
70
60

Series 1

50
40
30
20
10
0
marasmus kwashiorkor

anaemia

obesity

rickets

The graph shows the malnutrition which are cause by lack of proper diet
RESEACH FINDING /RESULTS
According to the research findings .It shows that children Mulango Zone

suffer

from Marasmus and Kwashiorkor which is as a result of poor nutrition in the zone.
According

to table 2 on physical development

many children

suffer n from

deficiency disorders e.g Anaemia ,Kwashiorkor ,Marasmus ,obesity and rickets

which has been brought poor nutrition on physical development.
On table 1 on physical activities the deficiency disorders has also contributed to
poor physical activities like playing ,running ,walking ,bouncing balls etc poor motor
development

leads

to these poor activities improvement on nutrition can

bring

about proper physical development

Parents and caregivers should be advised on how to care for the children.
Children should
spread

be given enough balanced diet food .These will wipe out the

of marasmus and

kwashiorkor even

anaemia ,obesity and rickets will cease

use

other

deficiency diseases

eg

Poor nutrition can be eradicated if all the n above measures will be taken in the
consideration first.
CHAPTER FIVE (CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION)
5.0 Introduction
This chapter gives the conclusion and recommendations of the study
5.1 CONCLUSION
According to the research carried out it shows that children from Mulango zone
suffer from malnutrition
i) Due to lack of proper feeding programmes
ii) Lack of knowledge on how to combine locally available food to suit the
children diet.
-Kwashiorkor, marasmus and anaemia are common diseases which

affects

children in the zone

-Due to this problem of nutrition children are affected by malnutrition diseases
which seriously affect their physical growth
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
-Children should be fed with a well balanced diet
-Parents and caregivers should be taught on how to combine locally available food.
-Health education should be carried out to ensure a good or best possible state of
well being of an individuals health.