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Abstract
Background: Childhood malnutrition remains a major public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Parents’ knowledge and attitudes regarding child nutrition play an important role in preventing malnutrition and promoting healthy growth and development.
Objective: To assess parents’ knowledge and attitudes regarding the prevention and management of childhood malnutrition at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 218 parents or primary caregivers of children attending Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, knowledge of childhood malnutrition, and attitudes toward its prevention and management. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and correlation analysis were used to examine the findings, with statistical significance set at p < .05.
Results: Illustrative findings indicated that 51.4% of participants had moderate knowledge, while 26.6% demonstrated good knowledge. Food hygiene was the strongest knowledge domain, whereas growth monitoring was the weakest. Favorable attitudes were observed among 51.4% of participants. Educational attainment and previous nutritional education were associated with knowledge and attitudes. Knowledge and attitude scores demonstrated a positive correlation (r = .42, p < .001).
Conclusion: Strengthening parental nutritional education, particularly regarding growth monitoring and early identification of malnutrition, may support improved child nutrition practices.