Use of Soy Bean Products as Cheap Sources of Protein in Child-Nutrition in Akpuoga Nike Community, in Enugu State South East, Nigeria

Abstract

Protein-energy malnutrition among children is a global problem. It is more devastating in developing countries because of high poverty level among rural dwellers. Akpuoga Nike is a typical rural community where social amenities are lacking, commercial and income generation activities are very low. Majority of the people engage in subsistence farming and petty trading. Consequently they cannot afford animal protein due to its high cost. The aims of the study were to find out the use of soy bean products as source of protein for children under-five by mothers in Akpuoga Nike and also to determine their positive and negative attitudes towards the use in the nutrition of their children nutrition. Descriptive survey research design was used to carry out the study on 100 women of childbearing age attending Akpuoga Nike Health Centre. Researchers' developed interview guide and focus group discussion were instruments used for data collection. Sixty percent of the respondents fed their children with soy bean products while 40% had never used any. In their mean rating, the respondents agreed that soy bean products have positive features such as being cheap, nutritive and a good alternative source of animal protein. While the negative features identified were; not easy to prepare, foul odor/taste and abdominal upset and flatulence. Soy products provide excellent sources of disease busting antioxidants, B. vitamins (including folate) and iron. They remain good alternative sources of animal protein in child nutrition especially in poverty stricken rural communities and mothers should be counseled on their use in the nutrition of their children.