Impact of Parental Education and Hygiene Practices on the Nutritional Status of Children under Five in Pakistan

Abstract

Child malnutrition remains a critical public health challenge in Pakistan, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality among children under five. This study examines the impact of parental education and household hygiene practices on the nutritional status of young children. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from households across urban and rural regions of Pakistan through anthropometric measurements. Parental education levels were assessed based on formal schooling, while hygiene practices included handwashing, safe water use, and sanitation measures. Nutritional status of children was determined using weight-for-age and height-for-age indices. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression to evaluate the influence of independent variables on child nutrition. Findings indicate that higher parental education and better hygiene practices are significantly associated with improved nutritional outcomes, highlighting the importance of integrated interventions targeting both education and sanitation. The study underscores the need for public health policies that promote parental awareness and household hygiene to reduce childhood malnutrition in Pakistan.