Malnutrition: Its Impact on Attendance among Primary School Pupils in Kirie Division, Embu County

Abstract

This study seeks to evaluate the causes of malnutrition its extent and the effects it has on participation in learning among primary school pupils. The crucial role nutrition plays for developmental, conductive and behavioral outcomes in life’s early stages is often not well understood and appreciate acted upon by schools and parents. Kirie division is among the divisions greatly affected by irregular rain and inadequate food supplies due to drought. In this regards, it is necessary to evaluate the malnutrition effects on learning ability of children.

Malnutrition is a medical condition where one is weak or ill because he/she doesn’t eat enough, or the right kind of food.  Descriptive research design was adopted. The study covered 10 schools where class one pupils were obtained from each school. Five teachers and 5 parents were selected from each school. The data was collected by use of two questionnaires, one for the teacher and the other for the parent.an interview schedule was used for the pupils. Data was analyzed by use of excel programme and presented in frequency tables, bar graphs and pie charts. From the study, it was found that poor malnutrition had an effect on learning due to increased infections, diminished cognitive ability and low school attendance rate. By improving on the feeding programme, the learners can continue to attend school. Basic needs should also be provided for.

Keywords: Malnutrition, Attendance